The building that housed a 50-year-old family-owned business in Sarasota was recently listed for sale for nearly $4 million, following the business’s closure and bankruptcy filing.
Seascape Aquarium & Pet Center operated in the 10,273 square-foot retail building at 2160 Gulf Gate Drive since its founding in 1975.
The property appeared on LoopNet on Sept. 17 with an asking price of $3.99 million. According to the listing, the building also offers a recently completed two-bedroom apartment on the second story. The nearly 2,000-square-foot space adds an additional rental income opportunity or living quarters for the owner.
The listing agent, Mark Lyda with Generous Property Real Estate, said that the former home of Seascape could accommodate various
commercial layouts, including an aquarium, pet, aquatic, specialty retail or similar business concept.
He added that the investment offered "size, visibility, access and flexibility" in Sarasota's Gulf Gate commercial area, which features walkable streets, independent shops and various restaurants including recent Michelin Guide selection Tralia.
What happened to the Seascape Aquarium in Sarasota?
According to federal court records, Seascape Aquarium & Pet Center filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in June. The case was converted to Chapter 7 in September.
The court documents show that the family-owned business maintains up to $50,000 in assets, but between $50,001 and $100,000 in liabilities, and up to 50 creditors.
Owners of the aquarium are being represented by South Florida-based attorney Thomas G. Zeichman, who was not immediately available for comment.
The Herald-Tribune also attempted to reach the owners of the aquarium, but its phone line was out of service. Both Seascape's website and Facebook page were also taken down as of Sept. 25.
The history of Seascape Aquarium & Pet Center
Over the past 50 years, millions of sea creatures have passed through Seascape Aquarium & Pet Center. The beloved Gulf Gate shop had become one of Sarasota’s most enduring family-run businesses, with the once-small fish and marine supply store celebrating half a century in business in December 2025.
The milestone is one that few independent retailers reach, especially in a niche industry built on specialized knowledge and extended hands-on care.
"This persistence is about more than just good business sense," reads a Herald-Tribune column from December. "It is a testament to the dedication of the owners, who chose to build their life's work not on quick profits, but on personal relationships and specialized, reliable knowledge."
Rick Marot, a new marine biology graduate from the University of South Florida, moved to Sarasota with his wife and set out to open their first small business. Marot previously told the Herald-Tribune that Seascape quickly became a neighborhood anchor for saltwater hobbyists, aquarium beginners, and curious families looking for an easy activity like wandering through its colorful tanks.
“I never knew I wanted to be in a retail fish store, but I knew I wanted to be a marine biologist," Marot said in 2025.
What began as a single storefront filled mostly with tanks and a few dry-goods shelves grew into a full pet and aquarium center known for its expertise, personal service and hands-on guidance. Over the decades, Marot has helped thousands of customers troubleshoot water chemistry, rescue struggling fish and build some of Sarasota’s most impressive home and commercial aquariums.
Many longtime customers credit the store with introducing them to marine science long before STEM classrooms and television reality shows caught up to aquarium care, Marot and employees previously told the Herald-Tribune.
“I’ve watched kids grow up in this store,” he previously said. “Now they’re coming back with their own kids. That’s what makes this worth it.”
Herald-Tribune reporter Samantha Gholar contributed to this report.
Kendal Asbury is the real estate and development reporter for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Have an idea, tip or question about development? Send her an email at kasbury@usatodayco.com. Connect with her on LinkedIn or follow her on Instagram @wordsbykendal, and support local journalism by subscribing to the Herald-Tribune.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Beloved Sarasota business closes after 50 years | Exclusive
