The Shore on Longboat gets approval to resume construction

After months of construction and permitting delays, The Shore on Longboat Key is now finally approved to resume building.

Originally planned to open this summer, the 7,000 square-foot, 185-seat restaurant is now just a few partially constructed walls. Already estimated to cost $4 million, construction complications with the venue, located at the north end of Longboat Key, as well as a change in contractors stalled building for months. A mechanical door system planned for the building prompted the redesign of a corner of the structure and caused further complications beginning in February of this year.

Following approval from the Longboat Planning, Zoning and Building department, the restaurant was finally allowed to resume construction last week.

The site at 800 Broadway Street is the former location of the iconic Moore’s Stone Crab Restaurant. It was torn down after being purchased in June 2015 by Tom Leonard and former partner Mark Caragiulo.  A restaurateur behind eateries like Veronica’s Fish and Oyster Bar, Caragiulo was bought out of his share of The Shore restaurant brand, which includes a location at St. Armands Circle, by Leonard on April 13. John Mays, a co-founder of Bonefish Grill, is the other co-owner.

The restaurant was originally planned to open in June. In April, Leonard said he expected an opening date between late October and early November. Leonard more recently said opening in December or early January is more realistic, though he noted that date may change as the project moves forward.

Representatives from both The Shore and Longboat Planning, Zoning and Building are hoping to see the project move forward as quickly as possible. The unfinished building has drawn several complaints from Longboat citizens anxious to see construction completed, said Planning, Zoning and Building Director Alaina Ray.

Parking is an ongoing concern for the venue once it opens, but Ray said The Shore has provided even more spots than initially required by the town. The restaurant will have 55 spaces, eight more than the permit demands. It will also feature bike racks and boat slips for customers.

Still, some Longboat residents are concerned the new development will bring an intensification of tourism in the largely residential part of the island.

Gene Jaleski, a former town commissioner and local activist, has called the partially-built building an eye sore and has vocally complained that the new business will hurt property values and the neighborhood’s quality of life.