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Cortez

Community News, Cortez, Manatee County

Understanding the scope of vacation rentals in Manatee County

Jul 7, 2026 – Rodney Kwiatkowski
March 31, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Hunters Point canal settlement reached with one defendant 

One of the defendants, Jacquelyn Shepard, named in a 2022 lawsuit regarding the residential use of the man-made Hunters Point-owned canal reached a settlement agreement with Cortez Road Investments a…
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March 17, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

West Manatee Fire Rescue officals address special election results and costs

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – On March 10, voters in the West Manatee Fire and Rescue District (WMFR) rejected the fire district’s request to levy a new millage rate-based property tax on properties located in…
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February 5, 2026
By Leslie Lake

“It Takes a Village” initiative rolled out

The Cortez Village Historical Society rolled out the “It Takes a Village” initiative that promotes protecting Sarasota Bay.
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December 22, 2025
By Leslie Lake

Commissioners consider park at Seafood Shack site

BRADENTON – Citing strong opposition from Cortez residents along with lack of funding to complete a proposed boat ramp, Manatee County commissioners floated the idea of making the Seafood Shack site…
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December 16, 2025
By Leslie Lake

Cortez residents form coalition to oppose boat ramps at Shack

CORTEZ – A group of Cortez residents has mobilized in opposition to the proposed boat ramps at the former Seafood Shack property. The group, Cortez Concerned Citizens Coalition (CCCC) represents 327…
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December 2, 2025
By Leslie Lake
Mounds of debris remain as hurricane approaches

Hurricane recovery assistance meeting next week

CORTEZ – A community meeting for residents to learn about Manatee County’s post-hurricane recovery assistance program, Lasting Manatee, is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 10 from 6-7 p.m. at the Old Co…
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November 18, 2025
By Leslie Lake

Cortez remembers those who served during Veterans Day tribute

CORTEZ – Cortezians have a long history of serving in the military and that service was recognized during a Veterans Day commemoration on Nov. 10 at the Cortez Cultural Center. Members of the Cortez…
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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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Upcoming Events

April 9, 2025
11:45 am

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