Longboat, Zota look to return to normal

Though Longboat Police won’t describe details of the 9-1-1 call they received from the Zota Beach Resort early Friday morning, Deputy Chief Frank Rubino said on Monday that the first officer arrived within two minutes of the call.

More officers from Longboat Key, along with Sarasota, Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach and Manatee County weren’t far behind, securing the crime scene and the rest of the premises to ensure the safety of employees and guests while also preserving evidence.

The 9-1-1 caller referred to a “hotel employee laying on the floor,’’ though police couldn’t release more specific information, Rubino said.

Three Longboat officers normally are on patrol at that time of night, but two were on the streets on Friday – the minimum number, Rubino said, adding nearby departments are on the same radio frequency.

Morning-shift  officers were called in early in response to the Zota incident and others who were off duty volunteered to help, Rubino said.

Timothy Hurley, the hotel’s 59-year-old night desk manager from Sarasota and 51-year-old Kevin Carter of Bradenton, a security guard with Victory Security, were both found dead in the lobby. Police Chief Pete Cumming said the hotel had been robbed of a “few hundred dollars.’’ Hurley was shot several times, according to Cumming.

Carter’s employer released a statement on Friday:  "It is with extreme sadness and despair to learn of the tragic loss of life with this morning's senseless violence. Kevin Carter, a long-time and loyal family member of Victory Security Agency, will be sorely missed by all those who knew him. Kevin was more than an just an employee. His dedication to all he served will be his legacy." 

 No arrests have been made, but a security video shows one figure, dressed in dark slacks and a light-colored shirt, apparently making a throat-slashing gesture while facing off camera. Cumming told town officials via email:   “At this early stage of the investigation the investigators are actively pursuing promising leads. “

Cumming reported to town officials it’s not clear if more than one person was in involved in the robbery-double homicide.

Rubino said the incident took place “around 2:40 a.m.” but couldn’t release more exact information. He said he was alerted by his on-scene officers around 3:51 a.m. and he in turn called Cumming.

Zota reopened for business on Saturday afternoon, with additional security visible, in the form of a marked Longboat police cruiser and officer. Hotel employees confirmed that the hotel has installed additional security cameras and added more in-person security officers.  Rubino said police are still posted at the hotel, which opened on June 23 at the site of the former Hilton.

A $19,000 reward is available for information leading to the conviction of a suspect.

Observer reporters Ryan Butler, Eric Garwood and John McGuire contributed to this report.