Revived Lekarica golf resort to sell at auction

, Fla.. - The Pennsylvania potato farmer who pulled off the rescue and restoration of the Lekarica Golf, Country Inn and Resort in Lake Wales, Fla., is preparing to write the next chapter in the resort's history.

Robert and Nancy Weaver will sell the resort at auction Sept. 2, with J.P. King Auction Co. of Gadsden, Ala., managing the sale.

Weaver, who bought the property in 1996, left the potato business and moved to Florida to restore the resort - then known as the Highland Park Florida Club - to the position it held in the glory days of the 1920s and 1930s. Now, he thinks it's time to sell the course to someone who can take it to the next level.

"The Weavers have spent eight years pouring themselves into the resort," said Craig King, president of J.P. King. " Not only have they recreated a beautiful par-72 course, but they've also developed it into a profitable business during a period when many golf courses have struggled."

The resort spans about 180 acres on Lake Easy, midway between Tampa and Orlando. The property will sell in three parcels - the golf course on 133 acres, which includes 43 acres of development land; the restaurant and 37-acre inn on seven acres; and 40 acres of development land. All but the 40-acre parcel will sell at absolute auction, meaning the property will go to the highest bidder regardless of price, with no minimum bid or reserve.

In addition to the golf course, the auction will include the 37-room inn, a full-service restaurant, a banquet hall, an amphitheater and 30 acres of development property.

Weaver went about the job of restoring the resort one part at a time. The top priority was to recreate the course as it was originally designed by the Boston firm of Stiles and Van Kleek, whose work had been compared favorably with the famous courses of legendary designer Donald Ross.

"We didn't rush things; we wanted to do everything right, and we're happy with the results," said Eric Weaver, Robert's son and general manager of the resort. "It was in terrible shape, and it had been cut down to only 12 holes. That was tragic when you consider what it had been originally," he said.

The clubhouse, originally built in 1919, and now restored to its original design, is now a restaurant and banquet facility overlooking Lake Easy, said King. "This is a remarkable property, and I really believe the future for Lekarica is unlimited," he said.

The resort was a family project from the beginning.

"At this point we've done all we can as a family with the property," said Weaver. "Mom and Dad are retiring, my sisters both have growing families, and I have other interests I'd like to pursue." "It's at a point where it can continue to be operated as a profitable resort, or someone with more resources can come in and take it even further."

Those interested in more information about the auction may contact J.P. King at (800) 558-5464 or visit the company's Web site at www.jpking.com.