Another one bites the dust as IRB motel bids farewell
Condos will replace a motel popular with winter visitors.
By CHARY SOUTHMAYD
| Article published on Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2005 |
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| Photo by CHARY SOUTHMAYD |
| The Whispering Waters Motel on Gulf Boulevard is no longer welcoming guests after closing Aug. 2. |
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INDIAN ROCKS BEACH – The marquee outside the Whispering Waters Motel on Gulf Boulevard typically posts a cheery greeting to arriving guests or bids birthday or anniversary wishes to special friends.
But not now.
In recent days, the Whispering Waters sign has read, “Motel closed.”
“Our last guests left this morning (Tuesday). Now we’re totally empty. I’m really sad,” said Lynn Lewis, who has worked at Whispering Waters for 11 years, including serving as co-manager for the last three years. “People were hugging and crying. We’ve had a big following. So many people have called and e-mailed from as far away as England and Germany.”
Lewis explained that the couple who has owned the 20-room motel since 1977 decided it was time to sell, though it was a tough decision for them.
On Wednesday, Aug. 10, an auctioneer will go room to room, selling the motel’s remaining furniture and appliances. The auction is tentatively set for 11:30 a.m.
“The lights will go out on Aug. 15,” Lewis said. “I intend to be the last one on site.”
After that, the motel which has been a favorite destination to so many winter visitors will be torn down to make way for condos.
Lewis was so concerned about vacation accommodations for their winter regulars that she recently went up and down the beach finding suitable places to recommend to them.
“They are all booked in now,” she said.
In an odd twist of fate, Lewis said the Whispering Waters was hit by lightning just last week. Several phones, refrigerators and TVs were destroyed by the jolt.
“That has never happened before,” Lewis said. “It’s eerie.”
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Article published on Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2005
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