- April 4, 2026
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A lightning strike didn’t cause activity at Cedars Tennis Resort to fizzle out for long last week. The resort reopened its clubhouse Nov. 26, just one day after the strike occurred.
Longboat Key Fire Rescue responded to a fire alarm around 7 a.m. at the resort’s clubhouse, which includes its restaurant, pro shop and fitness center.
At first, firefighter/paramedics believed that it was a false alarm, however, when they noticed a haze inside the building, they issued alarm, according to Fire Rescue Chief Paul Dezzi.
Seventeen firefighters from Longboat Key, as well as the Sarasota County Fire Department and West Manatee Fire Rescue responded at the scene.
Several individuals who were exercising in the fitness center had already evacuated after smelling smoke before firefighters arrived.
The clubhouse was evacuated, and gas and electricity were shut down as a precaution. Individuals who were staying in units were not required to evacuate.
The department verified that there was no fire and that the problem was electrical in nature. Firefighters conducted a full inspection to ensure the building was safe to re-enter.
“The building was laddered and people placed on the roof, divisions were established with two teams working inside entering the attic space looking for any concerns,” Dezzi wrote in a Nov. 25 email to Town Manager Dave Bullock.
Firefighters were at the scene for approximately two-and-a-half hours before the department turned the property back over to management.
“The clubhouse remained closed until RVA management and equipment contractors could review ALL operating systems to ensure there was no risk or subsequent damage,” wrote Cedars Tennis Resort supervisor Debbie Beheler in an email to the Longboat Observer.
Power was restored to the building at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, and vendor inspections were completed by 5 p.m.
The clubhouse opened for regular business Wednesday morning.
RVA, Resort Vacation Accommodations, owns the resort’s clubhouse facilities.
