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Cortez

Community News, Cortez

“It Takes a Village” initiative rolled out

Feb 5, 2026 – Leslie Lake
November 11, 2025
By Leslie Lake
Volunteers, vendor applications available for Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival

Volunteer, vendor applications available for 2026 Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival

CORTEZ – Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage (FISH) board members are planning the 2026 Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival and are seeking vendors and volunteers. The festival planning committe…
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August 12, 2025
By Leslie Lake
Man accused of manslaughter now facing drug charges

Man accused of manslaughter now facing drug charge

CORTEZ – Ian Douglas, accused of manslaughter in the July 29 Baypointe Terrace shooting death of his father, Andrew “Drew” Douglas, is now facing a felony drug charge following a search of his home…
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July 30, 2025
By Leslie Lake
Cortez man dies in shooting at home

Cortez man dies in shooting at home

CORTEZ – Manatee County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) detectives are investigating a shooting incident that resulted in the death of 76-year-old Cortez resident Andrew “Drew” Douglas on Tuesday, July 29…
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July 29, 2025
By Leslie Lake
Public provides input on Cortez Marina’s future

Public provides input on Cortez Marina’s future

BRADENTON – Manatee County residents expressed their preferences for the future of Cortez Marina at the first of five public workshops at the Bridge Church on July 24. The workshop, held in an open…
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April 1, 2025
By Leslie Lake
County sends Annie’s owners packing

County sends Annie’s owners packing

CORTEZ – While Manatee County commissioners have not set a demolition date for Annie’s Bait and Tackle Shop, they gave Annie’s former owners an April 7 deadline to remove their personal items from th…
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April 1, 2025
By Leslie Lake
County sends Annie’s owners packing

County sends Annie’s owners packing

CORTEZ – While Manatee County commissioners have not set a demolition date for Annie’s Bait and Tackle Shop, they gave Annie’s former owners an April 7 deadline to remove their personal items from th…
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March 19, 2025
By Sun staff
Detours, road closures continue

Detours, road closures continue

CORTEZ – The Cortez Bridge utility relocation project will necessitate detours and closures to both vehicle and pedestrian traffic, according to an update from Manatee County officials. East of the…
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March 18, 2025
By Leslie Lake
Annie’s Bait and Tackle given 30-day notice for demolition

Annie’s Bait and Tackle given 30-day notice for demolition

CORTEZ – Manatee County has issued a 30- day demolition notice for the removal of Annie’s Bait and Tackle Shop. “We haven’t received the letter yet, but I was told it’s coming,” Annie’s co-owner…
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March 10, 2025
By Leslie Lake
County decides to demolish iconic Annie’s in Cortez

County decides to demolish iconic Annie’s in Cortez

CORTEZ – Following recommenda­tions and a review by a structural engineer, fire officials and the Florida Department of Emergency Manage­ment, Manatee County commissioners have voted 6-1 to demolish…
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February 18, 2025
By Leslie Lake
Siddique discusses future of Cortez Marina at town hall meeting

Siddique discusses future of Cortez Marina at town hall meeting

MANATEE COUNTY – Com­missioners are floating the idea of charging for ramp access at the yet-to-be constructed Cortez Marina. Manatee County purchased the Seafood Shack property in December for $13…
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Upcoming Events

April 9, 2025
11:45 am

The Off-Stage Ladies of the Island Players, April luncheon meeting