PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. – A judge ruled in favor of two different lenders on Thursday in an $8 million lawsuit filed against a South Ponte Vedra Beach club.
Now, according to an email to members sent on Thursday, the club will officially go up for foreclosure auction in September.
“This process must go through the court system to ensure the property can transition to new ownership without any recourse,” the email states. “We are pleased to inform you that the property taxes on the beach club and the lots have been paid. Nothing has changed in our commitment to delivering top-quality service. Over the next 45 days, we will prepare for the transition.”
“We are committed to moving forward positively with our new Serenata Beach Club.”
The Serenata Beach Club trial came after a host of financial problems in the last year led to temporary shutdowns.
The judge denied a motion to dismiss the case back in February.
The lawsuit, filed by a lending company that financed the club in 2022, says club members were locked out of the club and employees went without paychecks.
Since that foreclosure was filed last July, club members tell News4JAX that access to the club has been spotty—and fees have increased or been added for services that were once included with their membership.
Those changes started on April 1 and required members to spend at least $250 a month.
As for the fees, they started to charge $5 to rent beach chairs and umbrellas and a $40 a month fee for access to fitness classes.
Members are also banned from bringing in food and drinks.
All of these changes were announced along with a price increase for membership.
The owners of the Serenata Beach Club, Molly and Jeffrey Butler, face a multi-million-dollar judgment after the judge ruled in favor of the finance company.
“Thank you for your continued support and understanding during this period of transition. We remain dedicated to providing you with an exceptional experience at Serenata Beach Club,” Serenata said in an email.