LONGBOAT KEY, FLA.-- The historic Longboat Key resort, where former President George W. Bush stayed the night before getting the call about the 9/11 attacks, will be torn down.
- Resort tied to Bush and 9/11
- City says resort is a major safety concern
- After demolition new hotel being built
The resort was closed 10 years ago. The city will be finalizing bids for the property next week and demolition is expected to start almost immediately after.
"It had many, many movie stars that stayed here. It was family friendly, people created a lot of memories. There are a lot of really fond memories tied up in this real estate," said Lynn Larson, longtime Longboat Key resident.
The place that used to be known for its exclusivity and luxury is now a never ending pile of trash. Longboat Key's Planning Director, Allen Parsons said that the building is not safe and is crawling with vermin.
While the resort marked its place in history books for being tied to the 9/11 attacks is has many other political ties. Former presidential candidate, Al Gore, used the hotel to practice for debates.
There are currently no plans to put up a marker or other item to honor its memory.
A new hotel is already approved to be built on the land but it will be months before any construction begins.