St. Pete showplace gets own star power

The Club at Treasure Island, a members-only entertainment venue in St. Petersburg that attracts both current and former famous performers, is getting big-time help from two industry veterans.

Joe Jimenez is managing director of the club, which is owned by St. Pete music entrepreneur Bill Edwards and promotes Las Vegas and New York-style shows to Pinellas County residents.

Jimenez has more than three decades of gaming and resort experience, and most recently served as senior vice president of casino marketing at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Conn.

Jimenez has built relationships with big-name entertainers like Jerry Seinfeld, Celine Dion and Elton John, and is looking to bring similar caliber singers and comedians to the Tampa Bay area. The club's upcoming schedule includes Jon Secada, Wayne Brady, Hal Linden and Robert Klein.

“We're building something truly special and extraordinary for our members and the surrounding community,” Jimenez tells Coffee Talk. “I'd stake my reputation on it.”

Joining Jimenez in Treasure Island is Edward Stanton, another Foxwoods veteran who now serves as the club's general manager and executive director. Stanton also has prior experience with the Starwood and Marriott hotel chains.