Fisherman’s Wharf revival is in the works in Venice, Florida
VENICE – The nearly empty parking lot, shuttered businesses and vacated dock do not suggest a rebirth.
But just wait a few months, said owner Stephen Witzer: Fisherman’s Wharf, once the site of thriving businesses, and even bigger dreams, is set to become one of South County’s waterfront attractions.
“We’re going to make this something special,” predicted Witzer, a private lender from Sarasota who took over Fisherman’s Wharf out of bankruptcy this year.
Witzer has removed part of the 52-slip dock in hopes of ending a nearly decade-long permitting battle with local governments. The shuttered Marker 4 restaurant, for years one of the popular waterfront dining venues in the area, is being renovated, with a new manager, kitchen, dining area and menu.
Plans also call for a dock-side cabana with live music to attract boaters and other patrons to the site near the Hatchett Creek bridge along the Intracoastal Waterway.