$8.75M in Snook Haven Park updates to begin in Sarasota County

Sarasota County is breaking ground May 8 on what will be a yearlong construction project at Snook Haven Park in Venice. The $8.75 million undertaking will “preserve the park’s beloved ‘Old Florida’ charm while enhancing accessibility and overall visitor experience,” according to a statement from the county.

Snook Haven Restaurant, located within the park on East Venice Avenue, closed May 1 before the improvement project gets underway. Venice Pier Group, which operated the restaurant since 2013, encouraged its Facebook followers to visit its other locations, including Sharky's On the Pier, Fins at Sharky's, Siesta Beach Eats and The Nest at The Bay.

A new food service facility compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act will be constructed landward from the Myakka River as part of the project, and county officials say they will soon issue a solicitation for a concessionaire to provide food and beverage service, live entertainment and eco-tourism services at the site.