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Tag: Cortez Village Historical Society

“It Takes a Village” initiative rolled out

Written by Leslie Lake on . Posted in Community News, Cortez.

CORTEZ – The Cortez Village Historical Society (CVHS) rolled out a new community educational initiative in partnership with Sarasota Bay Estuary Program (SBEP) and with support from the Florida Maritime Museum.

The “It Takes a Village” initiative was introduced during the Cortez: Coffee, Culture & Conservation event held at the Cortez Cultural Center on Saturday, Jan. 31.

Funded by a grant from the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program, the collaborative project focuses on the connection between a healthy estuary, sustainable seafood and the Cortez working waterfront. The educational initiative features bilingual signage, restaurant table cards, walking guides, a new web page and public events, all designed to encourage residents and visitors to take actions that protect Sarasota Bay.

Speakers at the Jan. 31 program included representatives from SBEP, CVHS, the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage (FISH) and the Florida Sea Grant/UF/IFAS Extension.

“We’re really happy to have been part of this,” SBEP Executive Director Dr. Ryan Gandy said. “There are very few places we can actually engage with the environment in this area and this is a great place to do so.”

Dr. Angela Collins, of the Florida Sea Grant/UF/IFAS Extension, spoke about the importance of healthy estuaries and the FISH Preserve.

A map of the FISH Preserve is displayed at the Cortez Cultural Center. – Leslie Lake | Sun

“Local seafood exists because we have estuaries like Sarasota Bay right here in our backyard,” she said. “If you look at a satellite image of the state of Florida, you’ll see that most of the coastal systems here are highly developed, highly urbanized. That’s what makes the FISH Preserve so incredibly special. It’s 100 acres of undeveloped land on Sarasota Bay and it really is one of the last true stretches of undeveloped habitat around. Probably 30% of the seafood that’s landed in the Gulf comes through this general region.”

“The fishermen in Cortez are literally feeding the world,” AP Bell Fish Company owner Karen Bell said, noting that mullet and mullet roe coming through Cortez are shipped to Colombia, Taiwan and Italy.

FISH Treasurer Jane von Hahmann spoke about the FISH Preserve.

“There’s one thing that’s remained constant in Cortez for 140 years, and that’s the fishing industry,” she said. “They were challenged with development. They were challenged with the 1995 net ban that took over half the fishing businesses in this community. It could have gone the way of so many other coastal communities but they chose to continue what was a passion for them, what was so historic for them, which was the industry that carries them through even to this day.”

FISH treasurer Jane von Hahmann spoke about the FISH Preserve. – Leslie Lake | Submitted

Von Hahmann said CVHS and FISH have the same mission: the promotion, education and preservation of Cortez, Florida’s commercial fishing industry and the maritime culture and environment on which the community depends.

“That environment is that 100-acre (FISH Preserve) right here,” she said.

“We’re excited it is now open for you,” von Hahmann said. “We were designated a waterfront community back in 1999. And where every other waterfront community was saying we want to bring tourism, we want to build the financial base of our community, we want to build stores and hotels, we said no. We want to maintain the historical value that will always be Cortez.”

The Jan. 31 program included a guided tour of the restored FISH Preserve.

Attendees were also invited to take a self-guided tour of Cortez, using the new map featuring places of interest, key environmental features and boat-to-table restaurants and markets.

Cortez bridgetender booth on preservation list

Cortez bridgetender booth on preservation list

Written by Leslie Lake on . Posted in Community News, Cortez.

CORTEZ – When the new 65-foot-high Cortez Bridge is constructed, it won’t be a drawbridge, so a bridgetender will no longer be needed, and a Cortez group wants to save the bridgetender’s booth at the top of the bridge.

The Cortez Village Historical Society (CVHS) has opened discussions with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) about obtaining and preserving parts of the structure.

“I don’t have a specific idea in mind of what this is going to be,” CVHS President Cindy Rodgers said. “I’m hoping that we can brainstorm some ideas.”

On Aug. 16, representatives from FDOT, including Cortez Bridge Project Manager Ryan Weeks, visited the Cortez Cultural Center.

“This is my first time here and I really would like for us to look at some of the alternative items and walk the bridge, talk about some different things, things that would be easy to remove and display here,” Weeks said.

Rather than transport the entire building, which is a costly endeavor, discussions centered around preserving parts of the building.

“We’re interested in the stuff that’s in there,” Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage (FISH) member Alan Garner said.

Some of the potential items for preservation discussed by CVHS and FISH members are the controls, lights and swing arms.

“Our discussions at FISH were what does that have to do with the actual village?” FISH Treasurer Jane von Hahmann said. “The more we thought about it, we thought Florida Maritime Museum might be a better fit, but we continue to discuss it.”

“As the link between Cortez and the Gulf Islands, the Cortez Bridge is part of our history. How many times have we traversed that bridge, getting that first glimpse of the sparkling Gulf on the other side, watching the pelicans dive for their dinner and people fishing for theirs,” Rodgers said. “It’s a part of Cortez history and we’d like to preserve what we can of that story for future generations. On the new bridge, there will be no bridgetender building or bridgetender. Eventually, drawbridges will probably become a thing of the past.”

Following tours of the center and the FISH Preserve, representatives from FDOT, CVHS, FISH and the Florida Maritime Museum headed to the bridge for a tour of the bridgetender house.

“I think we had a very good (and full) day – meeting at the Center, Alan and Jane gave a narrated tour of the preserve, lunch at Star Fish, then a trek to the bridge,” Rodgers wrote in an Aug. 16 email to The Sun. “We were able to go inside and to the downstairs area as well, and talk to the bridgetender. Which made me realize we really need to do oral histories with these guys; one of them has done this job for about 30 years – what stories he must have!”

Rodgers said CVHS will compile a wish list of what they would like to have and FDOT will let them know what is possible.

The drawbridge was constructed in 1956 with an estimated 50-year service life and multiple bridge repair and maintenance projects have occurred within the past 20 years.

The design phase of the new bridge began in October 2019 and is anticipated to be completed in spring 2025. The construction project will be awarded to the chosen contractor in summer 2025 with construction slated to begin in late 2025 or early 2026, according to the Cortez Bridge Project website, www.cortezbridge.com.

Cortez Cultural Center showcases 140 years of history

Cortez Cultural Center showcases 140 years of history

Written by Leslie Lake on . Posted in Entertainment, Museums.

CORTEZ – While the charming white cottage with blue shutters on Cortez Road may seem somewhat nondescript to passersby, in reality it is chock full of artifacts and photos depicting the roots of the Cortez fishing village’s 140-year history.

Open to the public on Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and also by appointment, the Cortez Cultural Center, 11655 Cortez Road W., showcases the history of Cortez, an active commercial fishing community and one of the last remaining fishing villages on the Gulf Coast.

The Cultural Center is home to the Cortez Village Historical Society (CVHS), which is celebrating its 40th year. It was started by a handful of Cortez residents who wanted to preserve local folklore and history.

“Our motto for the anniversary is: ‘CVHS: celebrating 40 years of serving and preserving Cortez,’ ” CVHS President Cindy Rodgers said.

Displays at the Cultural Center include photographs of the early settlers of Cortez, including fishermen and schoolchildren, as well as photos of early buildings, many of which are still standing. A hands-on children’s educational area is on the back porch and includes a scavenger hunt and a simulated boat wheel and controls.

Cortez Cultural Center showcases 140 years of history
A simulated boat wheel and controls is a favorite among children who visit the Cortez Cultural Center. – Leslie Lake | Sun

For those interested in researching the genealogical history of the region, the museum has records available showcasing the original families of Cortez.

“Originally called Hunter’s Point, Cortez was settled in the 1880s by families such as the Guthries, Taylors and Fulfords. Many of their descendants still live in the village,” according to the Cortez Village Historical Society website.

Since the nearby Florida Maritime Museum is closed for renovations until the summer, the Cultural Center may have lost a source of visitor referrals.

“People may have no idea we’re here,” Rodgers said.

The Cultural Center is a short walk over a footbridge from the Florida Maritime Museum parking lot.

“We’re an educational organization that tells the story of the community,” Rodgers’ husband, Paul Dryfoos, said. “People find authenticity here. This is what the lives of the early residents were like, and people are engaged to know about them.”

Dryfoos noted there are three key pieces of Cortez deserving of preservation.

“There’s the sustaining of the habitat for seafood harvesting,” he said. “There’s the culture and history of Cortez – it’s on the National Register of Historic Places – and there are local commercial fishing businesses providing high quality locally-caught seafood.”

The Cultural Center building itself has a rich history.

Cortez Cultural Center showcases 140 years of history
interior of the Cortez Cultural Center is full of photos and artifacts from the early days of the fishing village. – Leslie Lake | Sun

“The building was built in the 1940s and was moved here from Anna Maria,” Dryfoos said. “A whole crew of volunteers came together to make it what it is now. That’s the fishing tradition, people working together.”

The cottage was transported over the Cortez Bridge in 2011 from 304 Church St. in Bradenton Beach. The city had intended to demolish the cottage until Anna Maria Island Sun reporter Cindy Lane notified Cortezians about the availability of the historic home.

“People love the building and they love the stories we tell them,” Rodgers said.

County changes historical property oversight

County changes historical property oversight

Written by Leslie Lake on . Posted in Business, Tourism.

CORTEZ – A proposal to shift the oversight of historical properties from the Manatee County Clerk’s Office to the Sports and Leisure Division was contested by those in the historical community at a Sept. 12 Manatee County Board of Commissioners meeting. It didn’t stop a majority of commissioners from voting in favor of the change.

Properties affected by the change in management include the Florida Maritime Museum (FMM) in Cortez, Manatee Village Historical Park, Manatee County Historical Records Library, Manatee County Agricultural Museum, and Palmetto Historical Park.

“Have we had any complaints that these properties are presently not being run adequately under the clerk’s office?” Commissioner George Kruse asked. “I don’t understand why we’re doing this.”

Commissioner Amanda Ballard said she felt “we could do better.”

“It seems like it’s been rushed in here,” Kruse said. “No one can tell me why we’re doing this except the opinion that quote unquote it could be done better. Somebody has to tell me why we’re doing this today. And not being presented to us in a manner that we can actually make an intelligent vote on this?”

A motion to approve Historical Resources to be managed under Sports and Leisure Services Department was made by Commissioner Ray Turner and seconded by Commissioner Mike Rahn.

Manatee County Deputy Director Sports and Leisure Services Molly White narrated a PowerPoint presentation at the meeting.

“We feel there is an opportunity to have a more impactful reach to our residents and visitors by moving these locations under the management of sports and leisure services. This will create a streamlined marketing approach and increase in growth in programs and initiatives to better serve our residents,” she said.

More than a dozen speakers who were not in favor of the change spoke, including Cindy Rodgers and Karen Bell representing two Cortez-based non-profits dedicated to the historical preservation of the fishing village.

“The Historical Society was founded in 1984 to document the history of Cortez, educate the public on the living history of our working fishing village, and protect the important historic resources of our National Historic District. Due to the community’s historic preservation efforts, Cortez is a popular tourist destination,” Cortez Village Historical Society (CVHS) president Cindy Rodgers said. “One of the things that ties the history together for both residents and visitors is the Florida Maritime Museum at Cortez. The museum opened in 2007 and has developed into a valuable educational resource.”

CVHS has co-sponsored multiple public events with the FMM.

“We’ve observed a high level of professionalism, creativity and commitment on the part of the staff,” Rodgers said, adding that Manatee County’s historic resources are well-run.

“We are particularly appreciative of the Manatee County Historical Records Library, which has painstakingly preserved and cataloged all of the key historical resources under the county’s purview,” she said. “It makes sense that the county clerk’s office, which is responsible for maintaining most of the key public records for the county including deeds, marriage licenses and construction documents, has the expertise and experience to successfully manage our historic records and resources.”

She expressed concern about the proposal to “uproot the Historic Resources Department” and move it to the Sports and Leisure Department.

“The PowerPoint suggests that management and public use of our historic resources would improve under this sweeping change in administration,” Rodgers said. “That is an interesting perspective and one that deserves a full public airing if commissioners and others have concerns about the current situation.”

She asked for commissioners to defer action until there is a full public accounting of the costs and benefits of such a change.

Karen Bell, a board member of The Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage (FISH), also spoke in support of the FMM and recounted some of its history.

“We met with Ernie Padgett, who was the county administrator at the time, and we asked him if we could write a grant to purchase the Maritime Museum, which at the time was the 1912 schoolhouse. Bob Sailors lived there – he had died and his estate was willing to sell to us,” Bell said. “We put together a grant application in 10 days, submitted it, we were in the top 10 and we were awarded the money. So, the funds to purchase the Maritime Museum came from the state of Florida and the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage. We put $20,000 into the purchase.”

Bell told the commissioners the importance of sharing that story.

“That’s our museum,” she said. “That’s our history. We have our families’ artifacts in there. So, for this to be brought upon us with no notice, nobody even shared with us that this was a consideration. It’s hard for me to understand how that can be when we have a partnership with county. So please, take time before you do something drastic. It works well.”

Bell said people from around the world visit the museum and stop at AP Bell Fish House as the last stop during village walking tours.

“It’s so different from what they see in other places in Florida,” Bell said.

The motion passed by a 6-1 vote with Kruse in opposition.

Cortez Village Historical Society seeks board members

Cortez Village Historical Society seeks board members

Written by Leslie Lake on . Posted in Community News, Cortez.

CORTEZ – The Cortez Village Historical Society (CVHS) is putting out a call for new board members interested in helping preserve the rich history of the commercial fishing village.

The group will meet Tuesday, Nov. 8 at 4 p.m. at the Cortez Cultural Center, 11655 Cortez Road W., when a nominating committee will present a slate of candidates who have expressed interest in serving on the board or as an officer.

“If someone would like to be considered, they can let us know about any special qualifications they have. Maybe they’re good with children or have past board experience,” CVHS President Kaye Bell said. “This is open to the public and we welcome anyone to apply.”

Those interested are asked to email resumes prior to the meeting to: cvhs2016@aol.com

“The board acts in an advisory capacity,” Bell said. “Board members will oversee projects and give advice. It would be helpful if someone has been involved in a board in the past.

“We also have openings for volunteers who are willing to spend a few hours telling people about the history of Cortez,” she said. “The only requirement is a smile.”

Board member J.B. Crawford said that board members meet with the officers to consider a variety of important issues.

“These issues range from facilities, finances, meetings, activities, continuity of leadership and other matters as they arise,” Crawford said. “Prior to the pandemic, we met monthly to attend to business, but recently we have followed the social distancing rules and have communicated more by email and telephone.”

Social distancing is the reason that the Nov. 8 meeting will be held outside at the pavilion behind the Center, he said. The rain date is Tuesday, Nov. 15.

Cortez is one of the last remaining fishing villages on Florida’s Gulf coast, according to CVHS. Its fishing history goes back to the Native Americans and Spanish who first lived in and explored the area.

“The Cultural Center focuses on preserving ‘old Florida’ history and stories of founding families in Cortez. Starting with the Guthrie and Fulford families in 1880, visitors can travel through war times with Cortez women who went to work while their husbands were at war, and read about boats bringing visitors to the Albion Inn. The timeline stops at the 1980s, but eventually, the center will document the village’s history to present day,” according to the CVHS website.

The Cultural Center is open Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. To book tours or groups by appointment, call 941- 540-0590. For more information, call Bell at 941-538-0945.

Christmas comes to Cortez

Christmas comes to Cortez

Written by Jason Schaffer on . Posted in Community News, Cortez.

CORTEZ – There was plenty of holiday cheer, and even the near 80-degree weather couldn’t stop kids from sledding down a snowy hill that magically appeared in the parking lot of the Florida Maritime Museum.

Who says you can’t enjoy some snow in Florida? Jason Schaffer | Sun

Saturday, Dec. 4 was the first-ever Christmas in Cortez event hosted by the Florida Maritime Museum and The Cortez Cultural Center.

“We get tourists from the Island and all these other people, but we wanted to do something a little more for the locals. I’m hoping all these kids and families will remember this fun event, come for many years and care about our heritage for the future,” said Tori Chasey, supervisor of the museum.

Christmas comes to Cortez
There were plenty of games and prizes including this ball game that was especially popular with the kids. Jason Schaffer | Sun

The Manatee County Clerk’s Historical Resources Department and The Friends of the Florida Maritime Museum are the driving forces behind this event, according to Chasey, who also thanked the many partners who came to participate. Partners included: Manatee County Public Library, Manatee County Water Conservation, Manatee County Parks and Recreation, Early Learning Coalition and even the Coast Guard who talked to children about water and boating safety.

Christmas comes to Cortez
Members of The Coast Guard talk to children about water and boating safety. Jason Schaffer | Sun

For the children, it was all about the fun and games. From candy cane tattoos to carnival games, there was plenty to do, including a two-lane snow slide thanks to Santa, who was generous enough to fly down some fresh snow from the north pole, since it can be a little tough to come by in Cortez. Not only did Santa help with the snow, he happily spent one-on-one time with all the children who excitedly waited to tell him what they want for Christmas.

Cortez honors veterans in Memorial Day ceremony

Cortez honors veterans in Memorial Day ceremony

Written by Jason Schaffer on . Posted in Community News, Cortez.

CORTEZ – There was laughter and tears Saturday morning as elected officials, families of fallen heroes and veterans gathered to honor those who gave their lives to serve not only their country, but their community. 

Kaye Bell, president of the Cortez Village Historical Society, welcomed hometown guests that included Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown and former Bradenton Mayor Bill Evers, who served as master of ceremonies. Evers encouraged Brown to serve for 20 years in keeping with the tradition of long-serving Bradenton mayors, including himself. 

“For this country, we know what our military people sacrificed. Some of them sacrificed their lives to make all of us free. Because they were brave, they went out and did that, so to come out here today and honor those individuals from Cortez, our county and nation is an honor,” said Mayor Brown, adding how much it meant to him to be among this group of public servants and veterans. 

A highlight of the morning’s ceremony was a tribute to Dan Taylor, a Cortez native who served in the U.S. Navy, and the first subject of what will be a quarterly exhibit in the Cortez Cultural Center honoring Cortez veterans. 

“He lived through Pearl Harbor as a young man, and he couldn’t wait to go into the military, but he wasn’t old enough,” said his son, Darrell Taylor, describing his father’s service in the military and life in Cortez. “In 1943, his mother had to sign for him to go into the service. He went and served in the Navy, then later served in the Air Force. He came back and got his high school diploma, so he had actually seen the world before he even finished high school.”

Following a moment of silence to honor the fallen, “Taps” was performed by Del Couch, who served as a U.S. Air Force bugler from 1968-72, bringing tears to the eyes of many in attendance.

The Dan Taylor exhibit, as well as other artifacts in the Cortez Cultural Center, are on display at 11655 Cortez Road W. For more information, visit www.cortezvillagehistoricalsociety.org.

Public input sought on museum changes

Public input sought on museum changes

Written by Cindy Lane on . Posted in Community News, Cortez, Featured.

CORTEZ – The Florida Maritime Museum is planning a redesign and is inviting public comment on its conceptual plan daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Saturday, Dec. 14, with a tour offered on Saturday at 10 a.m.

The plan was designed by The Creative Pool, an exhibit design firm that has worked in Tarpon Springs, another maritime community, Florida Maritime Museum Supervisor Kristin Sweeting said.

The Friends of the Florida Maritime Museum, the non-profit which supports the museum, hired the company to produce the plan, which includes new exhibits on Florida’s working waterfront communities using Cortez “as a lens to tell those stories,” she said. “The goal is to add content but not take away Cortez.”

Visitors to the museum at 4415 119th St. W. will notice that some changes already have been made, including the removal of the children’s play area named for longtime volunteer Sam Bell, which is now an exhibit featuring the U.S. Coast Guard.

Bell’s widow, Kaye Bell, said the museum informed her of the change but did not grant her request to leave his photo displayed for his children and grandchildren.

Bell is a member of the Cortez Village Historical Society (CVHS), which operates the Cortez Cultural Center near the museum. Along with members of FISH (the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage), the Cortez community and Manatee County officials, members of CVHS lent support to establish the museum, formerly the 1912 Cortez Rural Graded School, to preserve the history of the Cortez commercial fishing industry.

“We are still planning on honoring Sam in another portion of the museum,” Sweeting said, adding that the play area was seldom used, as most museum visitors are adults. An education room containing the museum’s library will be created in another part of the museum to serve families, she said.

While many decisions have yet to be made, two large exhibits will stay on permanent exhibit, Sweeting said – the pole skiff built by Cortezian N.E. Taylor in 1932 and the vintage red wooden door that was once the front door of the building.

Smaller exhibits, including handmade dioramas portraying net fishing, may no longer be on permanent display, but rotated with other exhibits, she said.

“Some artifacts will come off display and go into storage while others will come in,” Sweeting said.

Other ideas are to divide the shell collection, which is now in one place, and display it throughout the museum, add oral history videos to some exhibits and translate written explanations of exhibits into Spanish.

The conceptual plan for the museum’s “re-imagining” also features a different floor plan, guiding visitors in one direction through the museum and out through the gift shop, instead of offering two paths near the entrance, Sweeting said.

After the plan is finalized, work is expected to begin in mid-2020 with funding from a Florida Department of State Division of Cultural Affairs grant, she said.

To offer input on proposed changes at the museum or to register to take a tour on Saturday, Dec. 14, call 941-708-6120.