Lightning strike causes Cedars fire

A lightning strike caused a minor electrical fire that occurred this morning in an air-conditioning unit at Cedars Tennis Resort, 645 Cedars Court.

The resort’s clubhouse is currently closed but will re-open tomorrow, according to a resort employee. Guests were able to stay in their units because the incident was limited to the clubhouse.

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 put out an 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. Individuals who were staying in units were not required to evacuate.

There were no injuries that resulted from the fire.

“The only damaged that was caused was from us pulling up tile to get up in the attic to make sure there was no fire,” Dezzi said.

Firefighters were at the scene for approximately two-and-a-half hours.

Contact Robin Hartill at [email protected].