Old Myakka General Store Still Attracts Visitors
August 10, 2013
On April 7 Janet and I drove out to Old Myakka (also spelled Miakka), an unincorporated community not far from the back entrance to the Myakka River State Park. There we were enthralled by the remnants of an old general store. (So have been others; see the painting and drawing or photoshopped image I found on the web.) First, a snapshot, so you can see the whole building. Then the fun of details. A history most likely written in 1984 but posted on the Internet in or after 2003 says the building is (or was in 1984) owned by descendants of the original owner. A couple walking their dogs down the road beside the building told us the people next door owned the building, so it’s likely they are those descendants. The Old Myakka community “was settled around 1850 by a party of cattlemen. The population in 1885 was estimated to be about 100. Before the turn of the century, Miakka residents had established a school, church, post office, country store, and a telephone service. Miakka has retained its agricultural base, but today only the Methodist church remains from the original town structures. Miakka is now a residential community without stores, schools, or commercial establishments.” That still holds true in 2013.
Update, September 5, 2013: State, federal, and private grants are being sought to restore the Old Myakka general store. A relevant website features another painting, and links to other photographs of the building.
Romancing Reality 
A delightful set of vignettes of this old building, Linda
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August 14, 2013 at 11:51 AM
Thanks, Andy. This building kept us entertained for hours!
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August 14, 2013 at 12:03 PM
Hello, My name is Mark Finehout the owner of this historically registered property. I agree with my friend Sparky nice pics. There is alot more to know about this store and house and this area. I’m glad you enjoyed the visit.
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September 1, 2013 at 1:39 PM
Hi, I am a venice singer songwriter looking to shoot a video for myself but also for my son’s college application. Wondering if we could use the store as our location and if so, what would you require from us? Thank you, Doug 941-223-4214
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October 5, 2019 at 2:17 PM
Can you contact me about possibility of using the store for video shoot? 941-223-4214
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October 5, 2019 at 2:18 PM
I’m sorry to tell you that the owners e-mailed me four or five years ago to say that the building had burned down. Sad for all of us.
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October 5, 2019 at 4:18 PM
I am sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but there was a fire, and this historical landmark is gone.
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October 13, 2019 at 10:58 PM
I am the webmaster for the Restore the Old General Store project you have photographed. The owner of the property and I wonder if we can put your photos on the web site, and link back to you? Thanks! Wonderful shots!
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August 31, 2013 at 7:20 PM
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September 5, 2013 at 8:58 PM
Thanks! That’s a nice video. We photographed at the school, too, but I wasn’t thrilled with my haul there.
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September 6, 2013 at 1:53 PM