After two years of uncertainty about the future of Hart's Landing, Sarasota residents finally have a clearer picture of what could replace the beloved waterfront landmark destroyed by Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024.

The City of Sarasota has submitted plans to rebuild the popular bait shop and docks at the eastern end of the John Ringling Causeway with a redesigned layout intended to better withstand future storms.

Rather than reconstructing Hart's Landing exactly where it once stood, the city proposes moving the enclosed building north, onto higher ground just south of the Ringling Causeway. The original structure occupied a particularly vulnerable location over the water, within a FEMA-designated coastal high-hazard flood zone. The replacement building would be constructed outside that most hazardous zone, reducing its exposure to storm surge and wave action.

The proposal includes a new 725-square-foot bait shop and restroom building relocated farther inland, an open-air waterfront pavilion with bait tanks, reconstructed docks and improvements to the surrounding parking lot and pedestrian walkways.

The plans were presented to the city's Development Review Committee on Wednesday, Nov. 4, marking another step toward restoring a landmark that has served generations of Sarasota fishermen, boaters and families.

The relocation is one of the most significant changes to the property's longtime layout.

"This is basically to replace the bait shop and restroom and docks that were there," a project representative told the Development Review Committee. "We are relocating the bait shop and restroom from what was previously on the dock upland just to conform with current building codes and get it out of the flood zone."

Where the original building once stood, the city proposes an open-air, shaded pavilion overlooking Sarasota Bay. The pavilion would include bait tanks, allowing customers to purchase bait at the new concession building before collecting it closer to the water.

The proposal also calls for restoring the docks, improving access to Sarasota Bay and reconnecting the waterfront facilities with the surrounding public space.

On land, improvements would include a six-foot-wide accessible sidewalk and ramp connecting the new building to the parking area, along with a raised pedestrian crossing leading toward the docks. The existing parking lot would be resurfaced and restriped.

Permitting Questions Remain

The project still has a few regulatory hurdles to clear.

Christian Tolner, a senior city planner, said the relocated bait shop and restrooms may be able to proceed directly to building permits because they would sit within state transportation property. The city would still need to update an existing agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation.

Rebuilding the docks could be more complicated. Depending on the final design, the project may require additional zoning approvals and a public workshop.

A Sarasota Landmark Since 1934

Hart's Landing has been part of Sarasota's fishing community since 1934, when Deamus Hart began selling bait shrimp near Golden Gate Point.

The family's history includes a colorful origin story: Hart reportedly started with a 100-foot fishing net, a beach bonfire to attract shrimp and a bottle of Jack Daniel's to keep warm.

The bait shop moved to its longtime location near the John Ringling Causeway in 1964. Deamus' son, Dennis, began working there at age 13 in 1969 and eventually took over the family business.

The Baldwin family assumed operations in 2017, continuing a tradition that made Hart's Landing a favorite stop for fishing supplies, waterfront views and live music. After Hurricanes Helene and Milton severely damaged the property, the city demolished the building in November 2025.

When Will Hart's Landing Reopen?

The rebuilding of Hart's Landing remains years away. The city's latest schedule calls for dock construction to begin in 2029, with the entire project expected to be completed in 2031. That would put Hart's Landing's return seven years after the hurricanes that destroyed it.

The city is still working through permitting and funding requirements, including securing federal and state reimbursements for hurricane damage. Still, the new plans offer residents their clearest look yet at how the longtime waterfront landmark could return.