What Happened to the Colony Beach Resort in Florida?

By Robert Palmer

The Colony Beach Resort located on Longboat Key, Florida, was once a luxurious beachfront hotel that attracted visitors from all around the world. However, in recent years, the resort has become a subject of controversy and legal battles.

The Colony Beach Resort was opened in 1951 and quickly became a popular destination for tourists seeking a luxurious vacation. The resort was known for its beautiful ocean views, lush gardens, and high-end amenities. It was a favorite among celebrities like Oprah Winfrey and Katie Couric.

However, the resort faced financial troubles in the early 2000s due to changing market conditions and increased competition from other hotels in the area. The owners of the resort decided to close it down in 2010 with plans to redevelop it into luxury condominiums.

The closure of the resort sparked outrage among many Longboat Key residents who had fond memories of visiting the hotel over the years. A group of these residents formed an organization called Save Our Colony to fight for the reopening of the resort.

Save Our Colony filed several lawsuits against the owners of the resort over issues related to property ownership and redevelopment plans. These lawsuits dragged on for several years and contributed to delays in redeveloping the property.

In 2017, after years of legal battles and uncertainty, a judge ordered that the property be sold at auction to pay off outstanding debts owed by previous owners. The auction took place in May 2018, but no one bid on it at that time.

Since then, there have been discussions about potential buyers for the property, but nothing concrete has materialized yet. The fate of this once-iconic resort remains uncertain.

In conclusion, while The Colony Beach Resort may have fallen from its former glory days as a luxurious beachfront hotel on Longboat Key in Florida, it will always hold a special place in many people’s hearts as a cherished vacation spot. Although there were efforts made by local residents to save and reopen the resort, it ultimately faced legal battles and was eventually sold at auction. It remains to be seen what the future holds for this iconic property.