Through the decades Buchan’s Landing has been a historic landmark for the community of Englewood, FL. From its beginnings in 1916, to its current position in 2024, it has only changed hand’s a few times. Through those years it has been cherished and as one of the pillar historical remains of the town.

Who was Pete Buchan?

Through the decades, Buchan’s Landing has been a historical landmark for the Englewood community. From its humble beginnings in 1916 to its ambitious future to come. Through the years it has been cherished as a pillar of historical reference in the town. In fact, the name Buchan’s Landing came from Pete Buchan, a Bookkeeper who came to Englewood in 1902. His career first began at Chadwick Fish Company, this was the only store in the entire town. It was owned by the Nicholas Brothers, who founded Englewood. Through Peter’s career in the store, he had met and married Florence Jerome, and needed to leave the store to pursue a better wage. After some time had passed he decided to return to the store in 1912. Upon entering, the owner Nicholas exclaimed, “You’ve come to buy my store!” Even with the shock that this came with, Peter gave it some serious thought. After contemplating and hearing his offer he decided not to pass this opportunity up. Peter bought the store and inventory for three hundred and fifteen dollars. Later for only one hundred dollars more Peter bought all of the Bayside land on the corner of Dearborn and Old Englewood Road. In 1960 Peter built a two-story building and moved the business. Peter and his family resided above the store and grew business in order to receive supplies and goods directly from Lemon Bay, he constructed a 250-foot pier to accommodate for the incoming boats. As time progressed all supplies for Englewood were being received through Peter‘s pier. This is where the Buchan’s Landing was born. Peter was one of the core people who grew Englewood into the community we know and love today though countless achievements for the community. He went on to organize a work group to open up Blind Pass, was appointed Postmaster and opened a post office in his store, served as a Trustee for the Englewood School District, and was instrumental in paving the way from Englewood to Sarasota. In 1921, Peter was appointed by the Governor Cary A. Hardee to be the first commissioner from Englewood. In his career as a Commissioner, Peter went on to encourage Sarasota County to purchase 93 acres of the Hygeia land for an airport. The mosquito eradication program planned to use this airport for aerial spraying in the southern part of the county. The county commissioners named the airport in honor of Peter’s “long and efficient service to the county”. After life full of accomplishments Peter E. Buchan died in 1968 at the age of 96. After Peter’s passing, the property passed through a few hands between the late 60s and early 80s.

After Pete Buchan, the property passed through a few hands between the late 60’s and early 80’s. After two decades, it caught the attention of a young entrepreneur, Douglas Libertore Sr. He had come from Miami to make a better life for he and his family. While looking for a place to house his new venture, he fell in love with Buchan’s.  

Douglas had one son, Scott Libertore, who graduated Lemon Bay Highschool In 1986. In 1991 Douglas hired his son to work in the mailroom at the age of 23, which was operating out of one of the houses located on the premises. In the following years, father and son worked side by side, growing their family business together.  

As the company grew, the strategic decision was made to move to Sarasota. The unique waterfront property was sold to the Meals, where it remained a fishing camp for 25 years.

After his career, Scott Libertore decided to make the calculated decision to reinvest in his hometown.  

He first purchased Lemon Bay Plaza. After getting a feel for what would most benefit the community in the spaces there, he first created Libee’s Sportsbar and Grill, and then Bay Fit shortly after with his wife, Sarah.

One night while having dinner, two familiar faces came through the door that were none other than the Meals who had bought Buchans all those years ago. The opportunity presented itself for Scott to buy the property back, and on May 1st 2022 Buchans was back in the family.

Scotts’ vision is to make this special spot available to the public for the first time in a very long time by bringing in a waterfront restaurant, and private villas.

In Scotts’ own words, “It feels like a dream come true to have the property back in the family and to be able to share it with the community.”

Buchan’s Landing is here to stay.

All this Information and more are sourced from Englewood History – Lemon Bay Historical Society (lemonbayhistory.com)