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Hurricane season forces demolition of iconic Longboat Key resort

Posted at 2:07 PM, Jun 01, 2018
and last updated 2018-06-01 17:37:43-04

Town leaders on Longboat Key have issued an emergency demolition order for the Colony Resort.

The iconic structure is more than 50 years old, but it’s been closed since 2010. Town leaders said a series of lawsuits between owners closed the structure.

Allen Parsons with the town’s Planning and Zoning Department said the owners have ten days to appeal.

If they don’t appeal the buildings will be torn down in about two weeks.

“There are buildings out there that are unfit and unsafe,” said Parsons.

Resident Lynn Larson said she would like to see a vibrant new venture start on the property.

"I’d like to get rid of this terrible eye sore that we have, these are dangerous structures,” said Larson.

President Bush stayed at the Colony on September 11, 2001.