After construction delays, the new sky deck atop the Wyvern Hotel in Punta Gorda opened Feb. 13, just in time for Valentine’s Day.

The area adjacent to the hotel’s Perch 360 tapas bar and dining area was formerly a pool with decking and a lounge area. Hurricane Ian caused extensive damage and the pool was removed, said hotel Business Development Director Matt Nemec.

Then the Wyvern had to reinvent the space in the months following the hurricane.

Nemec, whose family has owned businesses in Punta Gorda for decades, oversees activities on the rooftop, orders the wine and coordinates special events, among other duties.

On Feb. 13, 180 people attended a private party that filled both Perch 360 and the sky deck, he said.

The next afternoon, Perch 360 was bustling with activity as diners sat at tables and the bar below. The sky deck is about six steps higher, and it provides panoramic views of Punta Gorda, Charlotte Harbor, Port Charlotte and points beyond.

While the pool area wasn’t used during stormy weather or high winds, the sky deck area has screening that can be lowered to block the elements. Its roof is retractable, and lighting is inserted into the ceiling for evening dining.

Rain or shine, diners can enjoy the view from the sky deck, Nemec said.

Possible future uses may include a special dining under the stars evening, he said.

The ground floor of the Wyvern houses the 88 Keys restaurant, but the tapas bar menu is different. However, the same kitchen prepares the meals, which are sent up to the rooftop via an elevator, Nemec said.

“We have a saxophone player at sunset on Thursday and Sunday,” Nemec said. For the lively set who like to dance, there is live music at Perch 360 every Friday and Saturday.

Brunch is served on the rooftop from 8 to 11:30 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

Some of the regular menu items have included Iconic Wyvern Mussels, homemade flatbreads, Maryland crabcakes, Waygu beef sliders, a Portabella sandwich, the 360 Reuben, grilled chicken Caesar and grilled salmon salads, calamari fresca, Gouda fondue, hummus and grilled pita and more.

The rooftop bar is fully stocked and offers many specialty cocktails, including the Perch 360 martini with 360 organic vodka, dry vermouth and blue cheese stuffed olives.

Captain’s Orders, which consists of Captain Morgan, Chambord and cranberry juice also is a popular drink.

The signature drink is The Wyvern, a cocktail of a layered bourbon color scheme.

There also is an extensive wine menu.

Activity at the Wyvern’s eating establishments has been busy, but there was a dip for about two weeks after Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor opened, Nemec said.

However, the drop didn’t last long, because soon the regular patrons began to return, as well as visitors to the area. Nemec said he was pleasantly surprised to see that Sunseeker’s effect hadn’t dampened attendance at the Wyvern.

With Punta Gorda becoming a destination, there is room for everyone, he said, adding that other restaurants in the area have been full this season.

The Wyvern Hotel will be holding a ribbon-cutting ceremony in celebration of the sky deck’s grand opening Feb. 22.