The Yard on Olympia receives green light in Punta Gorda

Punta Gorda City Council approved variances for The Yard on Olympia, a new outdoor entertainment venue proposed by David Fry, the managing partner behind the popular Bay Street Yard in Fort Myers.  

Fry presented the project to council members Dec. 3, describing a family- and pet-friendly destination designed to appeal to all ages. The venue will be constructed on a half-acre parcel at 126 E. Olympia Ave., formerly part of the Bank of America office building parking lot. 

Council members responded enthusiastically after Fry outlined the concept and amenities. “This looks like what we’re looking for, as far as something that can bring people into downtown. I’m really excited about it,” council member Jeannine Polk said. 

The Yard on Olympia is expected to expand the city’s late-night entertainment options. Punta Gorda saw significant redevelopment after Hurricane Charley in 2004, and before Hurricane Ian in 2022, the city hosted numerous live-entertainment venues. Regular performances were held at Hurricane Charley’s Sushi, Raw Bar & Grill, which has since been demolished, and at Dean’s South of the Border, which closed following flooding from hurricanes Helene and Milton. 

According to zoning official Rachel Barry, Fry encountered no obstacles during the approval process because the proposed use conforms to the city’s zoning code. The Planning and Zoning Board recommended approval in November. 

The project site is bordered by East Olympia Avenue to the south, Herald Court to the north, an alley to the west and existing parking to the east. Fry noted his longtime local ties as a graduate of Punta Gorda’s East Elementary School and Charlotte High School. He also emphasized a commitment to supporting local nonprofits, similar to his efforts in Fort Myers. During recent fundraisers, Bay Street Yard raised $30,000 for Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida and $40,000 for United Way, he said. 

Modeled after Bay Street Yard, but larger in scale, the Punta Gorda venue will feature an expanded stage, a giant screen, a lawn and play area and additional shipping containers that will function as bars, restrooms, storage and office space. Dog owners will be permitted to bring pets until 9 p.m., with water bowls and treats available on-site. 

Recreational offerings will include pingpong, beer pong, cornhole, Jenga and two putting holes. Fry said three oak tree bars with concrete tops will wrap around mature live oaks to provide shaded gathering areas. Music will be provided by a DJ after 10 p.m., along with periodic live entertainment and themed celebrations for holidays and major events, including New Year’s, the Super Bowl, Mardi Gras, St. Patrick’s Day, the Kentucky Derby, Cinco de Mayo and July Fourth. 

VIP suites will accommodate between 10 and 26 guests; however, a minimum purchase requirement will apply. The venue also will be available for private rentals. Shipping containers and Adirondack chairs will be painted bright yellow to create a recognizable visual identity. 

Food trucks will occupy the rear portion of the property, offering food options under renewable one-year leases. Fry said the trucks will be painted to match the Yard’s overall design. Beverages will be served at several bar areas throughout the venue. 

Fry told council members that the renderings provided do not fully depict the completed vision. Landscaping elements, such as royal palms, will line the front of the property, and ground surfaces will include sod, artificial turf, crushed shell and pavers to define pathways. He said photos of the Fort Myers location better reflect the expected appearance of the Punta Gorda project. 

Veronica Martin of Fort Myers-based TDM Consulting, Fry’s authorized agent, supplied additional technical details during the presentation. Proposed operating hours are Sunday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday and Thursday 4 p.m. to midnight and Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 a.m.