PUNTA GORDA — Stating they will preserve and invest in it, two firms have purchased Fishermen’s Village after being on the market for years.
Harborview Capital Group and Torose Equities purchased the shopping, dining and tourist hub on Punta Gorda’s shore for $43 million, according to a news release.
It was purchased through a court-supervised receivership process, the news release noted.
The previous owner Jonathan Larmore had been convicted of federal crimes, including fraud and securities fraud, in 2025. Those crimes were in connection with a stock he’d owned and tried to manipulate. Larmore is serving five years in federal prison.
Hurricanes in 2022 and 2024 severely damaged portions of the area, as well, and there was a slow down in many real estate purchases.
Those situations left Fishermen’s Village in an ongoing slow slog seeking new ownership. It came to fruition finally with a Wednesday evening announcement with Lake Michigan Credit Union financing senior debt for the purchase.
The news release noted the 90,000 square feet of retail space, its 43 hotel suites and its damaged marina, the news release stated.
But it had a hopeful stance. “Some places are measured by the buildings that stand on them. Others are measured by the memories they create,” it stated. “For more than four decades, Fishermen’s Village has been one of those places. Families have celebrated milestones along its waterfront, visitors have discovered Charlotte Harbor, and generations of residents have come to view it as an enduring symbol of Punta Gorda. The acquisition begins a new chapter centered on stewardship, preservation and long-term investment.”
The news release did not mention Larmore.
Harborview Capital Group was called a “hometown steward” that has invested in hospitality, retail, industrial and mixed-use real estate, it stated.
Its co-founders are Anthony Dubbaneh and Ankur Patel. Dubbaneh has lived in his Punta home since 1990. Patel is a Punta Gorda native. That gives the founders “a personal connection to Fishermen’s Village that makes this investment uniquely meaningful.”
Torose Equities, according to the news release, “brings institutional investment discipline and operational expertise.”
“Together with Harborview’s local leadership, the firms believe they are uniquely positioned to preserve Fishermen’s Village while investing in its future,” it stated.
The news release stated the partners will work with Punta Gorda city officials along with Fishermen’s Village merchants, marina tenants, tourism groups and area residents.
“Their objective is to restore and enhance the property while preserving the character that has made Fishermen’s Village one of Southwest Florida’s most beloved waterfront destinations,” it stated.
Dubbaneh said the new leaders were “honored” to be a part of the “next stewards” of the site.
“Fishermen’s Village is the next step in our long-term commitment to investing in Punta Gorda,” Dubbaneh stated.
He noted they’d previously purchased the former Muscle Car City property and the Military Heritage Museum complex.
“We view each of these investments as a commitment to strengthening the community for generations to come,” Dubbaneh stated.
Patel was also quoted in the news release.
“This is a responsibility we take seriously, and we look forward to working alongside the city and the community for many years to come,” Patel stated.
Scott Sherman, with Torose, called Fishermen’s Village an “exciting addition” to the firms Gulf Coast portfolio.
“We’re proud to build on our investment in the Midtown at Bonita Springs and our investments in St. Petersburg, and we look forward to continuing to invest in exceptional properties and communities across Florida’s Gulf Coast while partnering with Harborview to preserve this landmark for future generations,” he stated.
Ashley Bloom and Corrie Gates, of SVN Commercial Partners, represented the sellers.
“The closing marks the successful conclusion of a nearly three-year process that navigated historic hurricanes, market uncertainty, and an extensive national marketing campaign before ultimately placing this landmark property into local hands,” it stated.
A news release from SVN noted how it was on the market at the time of the “devastating” hurricanes of 2024.
“Rather than rushing to complete a transaction, SVNCP helped advise the Receivership to make the strategic decision to better stabilize the property, support its tenants, and position Fishermen’s Village for long-term success,” its news release stated.
It ended up achieving a 100% retail occupancy, the news release stated.
“This transaction represents far more than the sale of a commercial property,” Bloom stated.
Bloom is managing partner for SVN Commercial Partners.
“Fishermen’s Village has been a cornerstone of Punta Gorda for decades,” Bloom stated. “After overcoming two historic hurricanes, navigating a complex and evolving asset, and conducting an extensive national marketing process, we are especially pleased to have helped transition this iconic waterfront destination to a local ownership group that understands its importance and is committed to its future.”
The closing was made Wednesday, it noted.
“The recovery of Fishermen’s Village has been extraordinary,” Gates stated.
Gates is the director of SVN Commercial Partners.
“Achieving full occupancy after everything the property and community experienced is a testament to the ownership, tenants, management team, and the loyalty of visitors from across Southwest Florida,” she stated. “We are honored to have represented the seller throughout this process and are excited to see the Village begin its next chapter under local ownership.”
The news release noted the immediate priorities are:
- Restore marina to full operation
- Enhance its hotel operations
- Invest in amenities for guests
- Support the existing merchants and marina tenants
- Preserve the waterfront character of the property