Jupiter Sunsation

Fire damages Fla. Keys luxury hotel
ISLAMORADA, Fla. — A New Year's Eve fire has heavily damaged part of a landmark Florida Keys hotel but there were no reports of injuries.

The fire happened at the Cheeca Lodge & Spa in Islamorada. The hotel was popular with President George H.W. Bush who visited on bonefishing trips.

Monroe County Sheriff's Department spokeswoman Becky Herrin says a caller reported seeing flames burning through the roof of the main lodge building just before 10 p.m. Wednesday and that the fire was under control before midnight.

The cause of the fire is under investigation, but it apparently started in palm thatching that was attched to the main building.

The resort has nearly 200 guestrooms and was fully occupied. Some rooms during the winter start at around $269 a night. Damage to the hotel is still being assessed. Guests in the main building were relocated to other nearby hotels.

Ed

Cheeca Lodge is as good as it gets in the keys. Been there many times over the years. Hope they get back up & running soon.

otis311

that sucks. I bet it was the lil Tiki bar that is attached out the back entrance.

Steve 1

Unreal that palm fron awning burned the whole building out ! Cool place gone for now!