A July 22 deadline has been set to participate in an August auction to sell one of Florida's landmark resorts - the four-diamond rated Amelia Island Plantation with three miles of Atlantic Ocean beach and 54 holes of golf among its amenities.

The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida scheduled the auction for 3 p.m. Aug. 23 to sell the 1,350-acre property to a qualified bidder.

Tampa-based Plasencia Group Inc. will conduct the auction. Interested parties must meet certain requirements.

Details can be obtained by contacting The Plasencia Group at (813) 932-1234 or info@tpghotels.com. Auction bidding procedures and related information can be found at tpghotels.com and loganandco.com.

The landmark resort about 30 miles northeast of Jacksonville filed for bankruptcy protection in November, citing the weak economy and financing difficulties. It filed a Chapter 11 reorganization plan in May listing Noble Hospitality Fund Acquisitions LLC as a bidder to beat with an offer of $47.4 million.

Operations have continued as usual at the resort, which listed ocean front rooms at prices from $229 through $409 as a base price. Specials such as a fourth night free and 25 percent off tennis and nature tours and bicycle rentals provide incentives.

Tourism officials said hotels on Amelia Island have benefited from drive-market vacationers this summer who ordinarily might have spent time on Panhandle beaches, which have been struck with oil from the offshore rig accident in April.

Reporter Ted Jackovics can be reached at 813 259-7817.