Authorities are investigating the shooting deaths of two hotel workers at a Longboat Key beach resort.

  • Robbery call prompts double homicide investigation in Longboat Key
  • Police, Manatee deputies respond to Zota Beach Resort at 4711 Gulf of Mexico Drive
  • Two people dead, investigation ongoing

Longboat Key police responded to a robbery report at 3 a.m. Friday at the Zota Beach Resort at 4711 Gulf of Mexico Drive. The resort re-opened this summer after being closed for renovations. 

Upon arrival, officers found the resort's night manager Timothy Hurley and security guard Kevin Carter shot to death. Hurley, a Sarasota resident, was 59. Carter, of Bradenton, was 51 and an employee of Victory Security.

Authorities have released a video clip of a suspect in the case. A man can be seen in the video wearing a mask and carrying a gun while walking around the resort.

"Historically, Longboat Key is a very safe community," said Pete Cummings, Longboat Key Police Chief. "We haven't had a homicide here in over 15 years. And almost no violence.

"This is, again, an isolated incident. This is a robbery. It happens unfortunately. This is a tragic outcome but people in the community are no less safe today than they were a week ago."

Hurley was described by family members as loving his job. In fact, according to his niece, Kristine Geer, he couldn't wait to get back to work once the resort re-opened.

"He loved his job, but it's far more beyond that," Geer said. “He would just do anything for anybody. Fun loving, loved to smile, and like I said, heart of gold.”

The Manatee County Homicide Taskforce is assisting with the investigation.

If anyone has information, they should contact the Longboat Key Police Department (941) 316-1977, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office (941) 747-3011 or Crime Stoppers at 866-634-TIPS.  

An $18,000 reward is being offered for information in this case.