MEET THE OWNERS

As proprietors, Michael and Paul are just a couple of old restaurant guys from the northeast who swore they’d never move back up to the cold. They moved both their families down to Florida in the 80’s and 90’s, but kept getting pulled back up north for work. Finally, Michael and Paul found something that could keep them here for years to come, in the perfect location! In January 2010, Manatee Island Bar and Grill opened at the end of the Manatee Pocket in Port Salerno, and has been blessed with a stellar location, hard working staff, and a faithful group of regular customers. Since opening, Manatee Island has become a "must-see" restaurant. Everyone involved in the making of this establishment have become family over a course of 7+ years. And thanks to the South Florida regulars and loyal northerners that visit us through the seasons, a second location overlooking the Fort Pierce inlet on Hutchinson Island was opened, and has been successfully operating for the past few years!

A message from the owners:

We continue to “feel the fun” every time we walk into one of these restaurants. We never take anything for granted and continue to work hard while still having fun in the sun. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do and we look forward to meeting new friends every day. 

Welcome to Manatee Island!

Paul & Elida Gonnella 

Michael & Richele Politano