Construction has begun on a redevelopment project for Venetian Cove Marina in Florida, aiming to enhance services for boaters and expand public access along Lake Harris. The City of Leesburg held the official groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday, 27 August.
The redevelopment replaces the existing marina building, which Mayor Alan Reisman described as “very old and deteriorating”, with a modern facility featuring two offices, a reception area, restrooms and covered outdoor seating. The updated design also provides public restroom access for boaters using the Venetian Gardens boat ramp and visitors to Venetian Gardens.
The project will also expand marina capacity by adding 42 slips, bringing the total to 86. The improvements are expected to support local tourism as well as conservation and educational initiatives on the Harris Chain of Lakes.
The project is designed by Edgewater Group and will be constructed by GSB Construction & Development Inc. of Leesburg. Funding comes from a Legislative Priority Grant and contributions from the city, with a total investment of $1.1 million USD.
Edgewater Group has been involved with the project since 2023. Project Manager Brock Petrak stated: “We’re very happy to be at this point where we can do a groundbreaking and all come together and see this project be built. We’re happy to see projects like this that restore and revitalise waterfronts. This project is obviously going to benefit the existing boaters and customers of the marina…this is going to bring in additional boaters and it’s going to increase public access to the waterfront.”
Venetian Cove Marina provides full-service wet and dry storage for boat owners, along with a range of amenities including boat wash racks, kayak and canoe rentals, lake maps, snack and beverage sales, oil, fuel and a maintenance and repair shop.
Photos from Alan Reisman, D’mani Nettles and City of Leesburg
