Marina in historic village gets new life

The next phase of the multimillion-dollar renovation project at the Seafood Shack, an iconic attraction in Cortez Village, is the marina.

Work is now underway at the 68-slip marina in Manatee County, according to a statement. The project, a “massive upgrade,” the statement adds, includes new pilings and decking, enhanced electrical capacity and new power pedestals and lighting. Complimentary Wi-Fi will be put in place, in addition to a renovated private shower and bathroom facility.

The project is part of a larger transformation of the Seafood Shack by its owners, Toronto based Vandyk Group, a real estate development firm. The Vandyk Group purchased about six waterfront acres in Cortez Village, including the restaurant and marina, for $4 million last October. The revitalization project is designed around making the facility modern without giving up the Old Florida charm.

The marina first opened to customers, along with the Seafood Shack, in 1971.