CORTEZ – 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.
Meeting attendee Paul Dreyfoos is vice president of the Cortez Village Historical Society (CVHS). He spoke about a potential collaboration with historical and environmental groups regarding the future use of the former Seafood Shack property.
The property was purchased by Manatee County in 2024 with the stated intent of using it as a public boat launch and marina. Since then, county discussions have centered on making use of the property as a park, and possibly as a Gulf Islands Ferry stop.
The county-owned property is first expected to be used as a staging area for construction of the new Cortez Bridge, which could take up to four years. With the county’s long-term plans for the waterfront property now delayed by the bridge construction project, Dreyfoos recommends getting out in front of the planning process for the long-term use of the property.
“It pushes the planning cycle way down the road,” Dreyfoos said.
He thinks the Cortez community has an opportunity to help define some of the principles and characteristics for the future use of the county property, and he wants the community to make a strong and cohesive statement regarding those future plans.
Dreyfoos recommends forming a brainstorming group to develop guiding principles and a concept document, and then garnering further collaboration with the environmental, historic preservation and tourism communities.
“The way I framed it for the purpose of the discussion is as an eco-park,” he said. “This is not about boat ramp or no boat ramp. This is about reflecting the aesthetics and values of our community.”
Dreyfoos’ initial design principles include the belief that redevelopment should promote estuary health and incorporate environmental elements consistent with Cortez tradition and economy.
Suggested concepts include a canoe launch, boat ramp access for commercial fishers, boat-to-table food service, land- and water-based recreation, and environmental education for boaters.
“I think one of the things that’s good about your proposal here is pushing the ecological overview,” meeting attendee Allen Garner said. “Regardless of whether it ends up a boat ramp or restaurant or whatever, it’s important to emphasize that point – that whatever goes there should be green and environmentally friendly.”
Several board members expressed interest in participating in a brainstorming group.
“They pushed the Seafood Shack plans back because of the bridge, but that could give us some time and work in our favor,” board member David Cadmus said.
“The goal is to first come up with a concept and then eventually submit that to the county,” Dreyfoos said. “This is an intent to make a wish list and come up with design principles and elements that we feel should be in there. We don’t want to let this just happen to us.”
The discussion is expected to continue during the next FISH board meeting Aug. 3.
FESTIVAL THEME DISCUSSION
The 2027 Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival is seven months away, but planning is already in full swing. A key element of the 45th annual festival is selection of a theme.
FISH Treasurer Jane von Hahmann urged the board to select a theme because a theme-based logo has to be designed. Von Hahmann is resigning from the board effective July 31.
The board discussed the possibility of some variation on “Cortez Fishes for You” as the 2027 theme. A final decision is expected to be made at the board’s Aug. 3 meeting.
Proceeds from the annual festival are used to maintain the 98-acre FISH Preserve.
