Persson comments on Colony ruling

Town attorney David Persson updated Longboat Key commissioners on Tampa-based U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday’s reversal of two bankruptcy rulings previously made by U.S. Bankruptcy Judge K. Rodney May about the Colony Beach & Tennis Resort.

In an email to commissioners, Persson described the ruling as a “complete reversal of the position taken by the Bankruptcy Court” and stated that mediation could be necessary. However, Persson suggested that the reversal is not a town issue because of a continuance of the town’s tourism abandonment requirement granted to the Colony in May.

“This is a dramatic turn of events,” Persson wrote. “I don’t know if further appeals will be considered. I remain hopeful that the parties at the Colony are able to reach a practical solution to the degree necessary to reestablish the Colony as a first-class resort worthy of its history. That is the goal of the town that you have made clear during these difficult times.

Fortunately the extension that you granted to the Colony regarding its non-conforming density was joined by all parties, thus preventing town involvement on that issue if this most recent decision stands.”

Contact Robin Hartill at [email protected].