Florida is famous for its sunny beaches, theme parks, and natural attractions. But there is also a hidden side of the Sunshine State that few people know about: the abandoned places that dot the landscape. One of these places is the Colony Beach and Tennis Resort, a once-popular destination that now sits empty and decaying on Longboat Key.
The Rise and Fall of the Colony
The Colony Beach and Tennis Resort was founded in 1952 by Sarasota developer Herb Field, who built a collection of charming beach cottages and a restaurant on the island. The resort soon gained a reputation for its elegant and bohemian atmosphere, attracting celebrities and wealthy guests from around the world.
In 1969, the resort was bought by Dr. Murray “Murf” Klauber, an orthodontist from Buffalo, New York, who transformed it into the first tennis-centric resort in America. He hired renowned tennis coach Nick Bollettieri, who started his academy at the Colony and trained many famous players, such as Andre Agassi and Monica Seles.
The resort also hosted the annual Bud Collins Hackers Classic Tennis Tournament, which drew hundreds of amateur and professional players. The Colony was recognized as the No. 1 tennis resort in the country by Tennis magazine for eight consecutive years.
The resort also made history in 2001, when then-President George W. Bush spent a night there before visiting a nearby elementary school. On the morning of September 11th, Bush received word of the terrorist attack in New York City while reading a book to the students. He left the school shortly after to address the nation from the resort’s conference room.
However, the Colony’s glory days soon came to an end. The resort faced a series of legal and financial troubles, stemming from a dispute between Klauber and the condo owners, who had a unique partnership agreement that allowed them to use their units for 30 days a year and rent them out for the rest of the time. The owners claimed that Klauber mismanaged the resort and failed to maintain the property, while Klauber accused the owners of withholding payments and sabotaging his business. The conflict resulted in multiple lawsuits and bankruptcies, which drained the resort’s resources and reputation. The Colony closed its doors in 2010, after a court-appointed receiver took over the property and terminated the staff.
The Current State of the Colony
Since its closure, the Colony has been left to rot and decay, becoming a ghostly reminder of its past glory. The resort’s buildings are covered with mold, graffiti, and debris, while the tennis courts are overgrown with weeds and vines. The resort’s pool is filled with murky water and trash, while the beach is littered with broken furniture and equipment. The resort’s sign, which once welcomed visitors with a cheerful slogan, now reads “Abandoned: Do Not Enter”.
The fate of the Colony remains uncertain, as the legal battles between Klauber and the owners continue. In 2016, the resort was slated for demolition, but the plan was halted by a court order. In 2021, a New York company bought the resort for $22 million, with the intention of redeveloping it into a luxury hotel and condominium complex. However, the project has not started yet, and the resort still sits abandoned and neglected.
The Conclusion
The Colony Beach and Tennis Resort is one of the most fascinating and tragic abandoned places in Florida. It tells the story of a resort that rose to fame and fortune, only to fall into ruin and despair. It also reflects the changing trends and tastes of the tourism industry, as well as the challenges and conflicts of the real estate market. The Colony is a place that many people have forgotten, but it still holds a lot of memories and mysteries for those who dare to explore it.
