BRADENTON BEACH – Barring any unforeseen delays, the Moose Lodge on Gulf Drive will unveil its new open-air, second story dining area and new 40-seat, horseshoe-shaped interior bar on Saturday, Oct. 3.

The extensive renovations also produced a new main entry, new restrooms and a new office for Administrator Ernie Casali and the lodge officers.

While providing a tour of the bright blue structure that resulted from the major reconstruction that took place at the south end of the lodge, Casali said, “It’s quite the building, it really is.”

The permitting process began in December 2013 and the lodge remained open during the lengthy renovation period that followed.

With the heavy lifting now nearly done, Casali can now focus his energies on membership and expanding the dinner menu that will now include lobster tails on a regular basis.

“We’re adding several new items to our menu,” he said.

Even though Lodge #2188 lost a few members while the renovations took place, it still ranks among the highest in the nation in terms of membership, and those numbers will likely grow as word spreads about the completed renovations and the second story patio that now offers a stunning view of the Gulf of Mexico and the beach below.

Casali said he is looking forward this weekend, and he encourages folks to drop by anytime to learn more about the Moose organization and its charitable efforts.