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Cortez

Community News, Cortez

Kirschner outlines plan to protect Rattlesnake Key

Nov 1, 2026 – Leslie Lake
October 14, 2026
By Ernie Vanderwalt

Suncoast Waterkeeper director discusses mangrove losses and more

Suncoast Waterkeeper Executive Director Abbey Tyrna has a plain way of describing what is killing mangroves along the Suncoast.
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July 15, 2026
By Leslie Lake

FISH board discusses Seafood Shack property plans 

Discussions about the future of Cortez were at the forefront of the July 6 Florida Institute of Saltwater Heritage (FISH) meeting, with non-board members also participating.
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July 7, 2026
By Rodney Kwiatkowski

Understanding the scope of vacation rentals in Manatee County

MANATEE COUNTY – Manatee County commissioners are considering imposing stricter vacation rental regulations in the unincorporated areas of Manatee County that include Cortez and portions of west Brad…
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June 22, 2026
By Leslie Lake

Seafood Shack property to be used as Cortez Bridge construction staging area 

The construction company contracted by FDOT to build the new Cortez Bridge wants to use the former Seafood Shack property as a staging area.
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June 15, 2026
By Leslie Lake

Cortez Bridge construction expected to begin in September 

CORTEZ – The long-awaited construction of the new Cortez Bridge is anticipated to start near the beginning of September, according to Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) spokesperson Ethan Pu…
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May 26, 2026
By Leslie Lake

Be aware of new traffic signal on Cortez Road

CORTEZ – New traffic lights recently installed on Cortez Road have unexpectedly caught some drivers off-guard. The new traffic control signals are located just east of the West Manatee Fire Rescue St…
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April 17, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Impaired driver who killed Sara Danielle Holmes sentenced to 25 years in prison

BRADENTON – Cesar Navarrete, the impaired driver who killed Swordfish Grill bartender Sara Danielle Holmes in a DUI-related crash in 2024, has been sentenced to 25 years in prison. On Thursday, Ap…
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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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April 9, 2025
11:45 am

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