Interest grows in sale of Punta Gorda’s Fishermen’s Village

Several prospective buyers have expressed interest in purchasing Fishermen’s Village, one of Punta Gorda’s most recognizable waterfront destinations, as a renewed marketing effort for the property moves forward. 

Corrie Gates of SVN Commercial Partners, listing agent and property manager the court-appointed receiver for Fishermen’s Village, confirmed that multiple parties responded to an exclusive call for offers that opened Jan. 5 and is scheduled to close Feb. 28. 

“The new call for offers has been well received by the market and we have a significant list of interested parties,” Gates said. Gates did not disclose the status of any existing offers or update of currently registered bidders.

The relaunch of the call for offers follows several turbulent years for the property after its former owner filed for bankruptcy. The next owner would assume control at a time when the complex, known locally as Fishville, has reached full occupancy, with all spaces leased as of early February. 

Located along Charlotte Harbor, Fishermen’s Village includes more than 97,000 square feet of retail and office space, five fully leased waterfront restaurants, a permitted 142-slip marina with upland development rights and 47 waterfront hotel apartment suites, each with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. 

Opened in February 1980, the mixed-use destination has evolved over time to reflect changing trends in dining and retail while maintaining what Gates described as an Old Florida atmosphere. 

The property continues to see new business activity. Gates said The Islands restaurant opened Feb. 5 in the space formerly occupied by The Pier. Three additional restaurants are expected to open in the spring. 

Leroy’s Fish Shack, whose owner also operates Leroy’s Southern Kitchen & Bar in downtown Punta Gorda, plans to join the lineup. Tidewater Group will open two other establishments: Latitude 26, which will occupy the former Captain’s Table space at the end of the wharf, and Castaways, which will be located below Latitude 26 in the space once occupied by Harpoon Harry’s. 

The Islands, a 6,000-square-foot restaurant with seating for 185 guests, features Caribbean-inspired cuisine and a sushi concept. Latitude 26 and Castaways are expected to offer distinct dining experiences, with Castaways designed as a relaxed, island-style venue. Both restaurants have undergone extensive renovations. 

Retail activity also has expanded. Bee & Co., a cosmetics shop, recently opened across from The Islands, and Asthetik spa & skincare opened a second location at Fishermen’s Village while maintaining its downtown Punta Gorda salon. 

“With the restaurants and retail space now 100% leased, the marina officially submitting to all governing agencies for approval of reconstruction and insurance premiums beginning to show favorable decreases, we are excited about the continued progress and moving this property closer to a successful closing,” Gates said. 

She said interested parties are encouraged to submit offers before the deadline, adding that the seller could accept an offer earlier if the price and terms are acceptable. 

The current marketing effort marks the second attempt to sell the property since July 2024. That process was disrupted when hurricanes Helene and Milton struck Punta Gorda later that summer and fall. Hurricane Milton caused a storm surge that damaged the marina and eroded electrical wiring beneath the elevated wharf. 

Several businesses temporarily closed while repairs were completed. Although the property attracted interest from potential buyers, the sale did not move forward, and the listing was withdrawn. 

In the months that followed, Fishermen’s Village returned to full occupancy, including all restaurant spaces. Redevelopment permitting also began, and the statewide insurance market softened after the 2025 hurricane season, improving conditions for large commercial properties. 

Fishermen’s Village has long served as a centerpiece of Punta Gorda’s waterfront, attracting residents and visitors for shopping, dining, boating and community events. Its mix of retail, hospitality and marina facilities, along with redevelopment potential, continues to position the property as a significant commercial asset in Southwest Florida’s real estate market, Gates said.