How One Tourist Gave Matlacha’s Yucatan Bar a New Name: “Matt’s Place”
It started like most Saturdays in Venice, Florida—the kind of heat that glues your flip-flops to the sidewalk and makes your SPF second-guess its life choices.
I was behind the counter at the CBD shop across from Centennial Park—the one with blackout gummies, adult flowers, and the unmistakable scent of eucalyptus and ocean rumors.
Then the couple walked in.
She was sunburned like she’d lost a bet with the Gulf of Mexico and Donald Trump.
He had that unmistakable tourist look—sandals, map app open, full of trust and just the right amount of confusion.
🎧 A song played overhead: “Sarasota Skies.”
Soft and familiar—like a secret breeze.
That’s Fleming: a local singer-songwriter with a voice that holds salt water in its echo. Venice raised. Sarasota polished.
Her: “This is nice. Who is that?”
Me (placing gummies in a paper bag): “Fleming. A local artist. Wrote this one about Sarasota skies. Sounds like a poem you’d play on repeat.”
Her: “Kind of makes me want to call someone at midnight.”
Him (peeking up from his map): “Did they mention him when we grabbed drinks last night?”
Me: “Probably at TJ Carney’s—he’s all over that scene. But this weekend? He’s playing down in Matlacha—at the Yucatan.”
Volume 1 of “Welcome to Matt’s” starts with sunburns, songs, and a name that stuck.
Her: “Matt who?”
Me: “Matt luh-shay. It’s an island town south of Venice. Colorful, artsy, salty—like Key West with a Florida whisper.”
Her (smiling): “Matt Lache’s?”
Me (grinning): “Sure. Matt Lache’s.”
Her: “So… does Matt host backyard shows?”
Me: “Not unless he’s got a full bar, dock seating, and legendary fish tacos.”
Her: “So, Fleming’s not at Matt’s house?”
Me: “He’s performing at Yucatan Waterfront Bar & Grill. But after today, everyone’s calling it Matt’s Place—thanks to you.”
Her (laughing): “I totally pictured a guy in linen pants greeting us with sangria.”
Me: “That would’ve been one for the books. But here’s the real story: You walked in, heard Fleming, said Matt Lache’s, and accidentally renamed a town.”
Him: “Tonight’s TJ Carney’s. Tomorrow? Matt’s Place.”
Me: “Tell Matt I said hi. He’s waiting with a mic and a taco.”
📍 While You’re in Venice…
- Visit the CBD shop across from Centennial Park (locals call it the “good stuff gummy shop” – tri-healthy.com)
- Catch local live music at TJ Carney’s—featuring Venice acts like Fleming, Tracy Z, and more
- Make the one-hour drive to Matlacha, grab dockside seating at Yucatan Waterfront Bar, and experience why everyone now calls it Matt’s Place
📚 Coming in Volume 2:
A honeymoon couple, a Tony Saint Tone duo, and the night someone asked for “Matt” at the front door.