The Yard on Olympia Brings New Energy to Downtown Punta Gorda

January 13th, 2026

According to the Gulfshore Business, Downtown Punta Gorda continues to strengthen workforce opportunities in Charlotte County with the approval of The Yard on Olympia, a new outdoor entertainment venue planned for East Olympia Avenue. City Council recently approved key variances for the project, which is expected to add energy to the downtown core while supporting quality of life for residents and employees who live and work in the area.

The venue is proposed by David Fry, managing partner of the popular Bay Street Yard in Fort Myers. Fry presented the concept to council members on Dec. 3, outlining a family- and pet-friendly destination designed to attract residents, workers, and visitors of all ages. The site is a half-acre parcel at 126 E. Olympia Ave., previously used as parking for the former Bank of America office building.

Council members expressed strong support for the project. As reported in Gulfshore Business, Council member Jeannine Polk said the venue aligns with the city’s goal of bringing more activity into downtown Punta Gorda and expanding local gathering spaces.

Workforce Opportunities in Charlotte County and Downtown Punta Gorda

Photo Courtesy of David Fry

Projects like The Yard on Olympia play an important role in shaping the community experience for those living and working in the area. Downtown entertainment options help support workforce attraction and retention by creating vibrant places where employees can gather after work, host team events, and enjoy community life.

Punta Gorda has a long history of live entertainment, particularly following redevelopment after Hurricane Charley in 2004. Before Hurricane Ian in 2022, several venues hosted regular performances downtown. The new venue helps reestablish that tradition while adapting it for today’s workforce and families.

According to zoning official Rachel Barry, the project faced no zoning obstacles. The proposed use conforms with the city’s zoning code, and the Planning and Zoning Board recommended approval in November.

Designed for Families, Pets, and Community Gatherings

Modeled after Bay Street Yard but larger in scale, The Yard on Olympia will feature an expanded stage, a large screen, open lawn space, and multiple shipping containers used for bars, restrooms, offices, and storage. The design creates flexible gathering areas that can support casual visits, organized events, and private functions.

Families and pet owners are a central part of the concept. Dogs will be allowed on site until 9 p.m., with water bowls and treats provided. Recreational features include cornhole, pingpong, Jenga, beer pong, and two putting holes. Three oak tree bars with concrete tops will wrap around mature live oaks, offering shaded seating areas.

Music programming will include DJs after 10 p.m., along with periodic live entertainment and themed celebrations tied to major holidays and events. These activities are expected to increase evening foot traffic downtown and support nearby restaurants and businesses.

Community Investment and Local Roots

Fry emphasized his personal connection to Punta Gorda as a graduate of East Elementary School and Charlotte High School. He also highlighted a commitment to community involvement. At the Fort Myers location, Bay Street Yard has raised significant funds for local nonprofits, including $30,000 for Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida and $40,000 for United Way.

Food trucks will operate at the rear of the property under renewable one-year leases, providing opportunities for small business operators. Trucks will be painted to match the venue’s visual identity, which includes bright yellow shipping containers and Adirondack chairs.

VIP suites will accommodate groups ranging from 10 to 26 guests, with minimum purchase requirements. The venue will also be available for private rentals, supporting corporate events and community gatherings.

Operating Details and Next Steps

Landscaping plans include royal palms along the front of the property and a mix of sod, artificial turf, crushed shell, and pavers to define pathways. Fry noted that photos of the Fort Myers location more accurately represent the finished vision than early renderings.

Proposed operating hours are Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday and Thursday from 4 p.m. to midnight, and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m.

As reported in Gulfshore Business, the project represents a positive step for downtown Punta Gorda, reinforcingquality of life while supporting workforce opportunities in Charlotte County through continued community-focused investment.

Source: Gulfshore Business, “The Yard on Olympia receives green light in Punta Gorda,” by Nancy Semon, Dec. 3, 2025.