Second Phase of Parking Coming to Sharky's

The engineering department in Venice is starting to build the second phase of the parking lot at the Venice Fishing Pier.
The improvement, which replaces the existing dirt parking area south of the pier, will provide 182 paved parking spaces, eight for handicap use and 46 grass spaces.
It also includes sea turtle-friendly lighting, landscaping, a handicap accessible ramp to the beach, continuation of the boardwalk to connect the north parking area, restrooms and pier and stormwater collection and treatment that will reduce flooding during rain storms, the city said.
Once the project is complete, there will be 375 parking spaces. The project’s cost is $1,290,646 and the money is coming from the Pier Fund and General Fund Reserve.
It should be done by the end of May. Sharky’s on the Pier restaurant and the fishing pier will be open throughout the construction, the city reports. Parking is currently available north of the fishing pier and along the east side of Harbor Drive next to the golf course.
Other activities at the beach include beach tilling as required by the city's beach nourishment permits in order to prepare the sand for the sea turtle nesting season. (courtesy Venise Gondolier)