Chart House fire causes $25k in damage

An early morning fire at the Chart House Restaurant on Longboat Key caused an estimated $25,000 worth of damage.

Longboat Key Fire Rescue responded to the restaurant at 201 Gulf of Mexico Drive at 2:30 a.m.
The first units on the scene reported fire and smoke visible from the back of the structure and requested additional equipment and personnel.

Firefighters found the outside decking adjacent to the building involved in the fire and had to remove the decking to ensure the fire was completely extinguished. Although sprinklers on the second floor of the restaurant’s patio were activated because of heat buildup, an investigation showed that the fire and smoke didn’t extend into the building.

West Manatee Fire District, Cedar Hammock Fire District and the Sarasota County Fire Department assisted at the scene.

All businesses in the building remain open.

The State Fire Marshal is investigating the cause of the fire. No injuries were reported.

Contact Robin Hartill at [email protected].