Longboat tennis resort sold

RVA, Resort Vacation Accommodations, announced in a statement that it purchased Cedars Tennis Resort operations on Longboat Key and Barrier Island Realty Inc., which owned and managed the resort. The transaction, including purchase price, was not listed on the Manatee County Clerk of the Court's website Monday afternoon.

The purchase includes the resort's rental management, real estate sales, tennis and health club facilities and the Cedars Bar and Grill operations, according to the statement. Tony Veldkamp, broker and managing director of Sperry Van Ness Commercial Advisory Group, will oversee Barrier Island Realty operations.

Larry Starr, CEO and owner of RVA, did not return calls for comment on Monday morning. However, in a prepared statement, Starr said:

“RVA, Resort Vacation Accommodations is excited about the acquisition and the prospects of what it will bring in terms of variety and added amenities to our existing portfolio of vacation rentals and services. We look forward to continuing the high levels of service that guests, owners and members have come to expect from Cedars Resort and RVA. We look forward to preserving the successful history and presence that this resort, tennis club and community has had on Longboat Key.”

Former Cedars and Barrier Island Realty owner Randy Langley, who purchased the resort for $1.05 million in 2008, told the Business Review sister paper The Longboat Observer that he will continue to work in real estate development and that he continues to be based out of Orlando. Langley said the role of resort manager was a new one for him.

“I think I was a mediocre resort manager,” Langley said. “I think I brought it to a 'C' level but I have no doubt (RVA) will bring it to an 'A' level.”