Fishermen’s Village Waterfront Dining Could Expand with Raised Terrace
November 9th, 2026
Fishermen’s Village waterfront dining is expanding. Punta Gorda City Council approved a variance on Oct. 28 that lets The Islands Kitchen & Cocktail House add raised outdoor seating 10 feet from the water. City code normally requires a 25-foot waterfront setback. The council attached four conditions, including a clear route of at least 10 feet between the new deck and the seawall for pedestrians, bicycles and emergency access, Gulfshore Business reported.
For a restaurant that opened Feb. 5, the approval opens the next phase of investment. Managing partner Kurt Brown said the team hopes to start construction before the end of the year.
Local Owners Reinvest at Fishermen’s Village
The Islands is owned by PGFL Associates LLC, a local team. It includes Brown, corporate partner Dan McKay, and Amber and Dan DeCarlo, who also own retail shops in Fishermen’s Village. So this project isn’t a new business arriving. Instead, it’s local owners putting more money into an operation they already run.
The city followed a clear process. First, the Punta Gorda Board of Zoning Appeals recommended approval. Then council approved the request after finding it met eight criteria, including compatibility with surrounding businesses. Because the application was filed before Fishermen’s Village was sold, council also confirmed that the property’s new owners supported the deck.
What the New Terrace Will Add
The elevated, covered deck will extend from the back of the restaurant toward the Castaways side of the building. A tiki-style bar on the north side will face the sunset. Currently, outdoor diners have to weave between chairs to reach their seats, Mayor Debi Lux noted. The raised design moves seating up and off the walkway.
The owners have also planned a second phase. It includes a speakeasy-style private members’ room with its own deck and dining space, and Brown said the restaurant is already taking membership applications. The Islands serves a Caribbean-inspired menu of fresh fish, meats, poultry and vegetarian dishes, with indoor and outdoor seating.
Fishermen’s Village Waterfront Dining Gains Momentum
The Islands is one of several restaurants that opened at Fishermen’s Village in 2026. Latitude 26° opened June 29, followed by Leroy’s Fish Shack on Sept. 1 and Castaways on Sept. 14. After two hurricane-free seasons, officials said the center has reached 100% occupancy. That’s a strong rebound for a property where hurricanes Ian, Helene and Milton damaged the wharf and marina.
For Economic Development in Charlotte County, projects like this one matter. They show local businesses growing in place and the city working with them to make it happen. Fishermen’s Village is also one of the destinations featured on our Community Resources page, alongside the outdoor assets that help Charlotte County attract and keep talent.
Thinking about expanding your business in Charlotte County? Contact our team at 941-764-4941.
Sources
https://www.gulfshorebusiness.com/charlotte/the-islands-kitchen-to-add-raised-terrace-by-the-waterfront/article_906d3625-b0bc-4f90-911e-14e4f2bacb8c.html
https://cleared4takeoff.com/data/resources/
