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Commissioners consider park at Seafood Shack site

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

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 a public park, at least temporarily.

The county purchased the parcel for $13 million last December with the stated intention of constructing a marina with a public boat ramp, but at last week’s meeting, commissioners asked county staff to return in February with two conceptual designs – one with a boat ramp and one without.

The county conducted five informational community open houses attended by 313 people. Common concerns were traffic congestion, water quality, preserving the character of the area and a boat ramp’s traffic and noise impacts on adjacent neighborhoods.

Cortez resident Mark Havens characterized the county’s public information surveys as inconsistent and unscientific.

“You collected a total of 967 responses. Using the current estimated 458,000 people residing in Manatee County, you collected feedback from .2% or 2/10 of 1% of your constituents, an insignificant response rate.”

Kathleen Strakes, HOA president of Harbor Landing Estates, said, “In 2005, the then-board of county commissioners voted unanimously to purchase the Seafood Shack property for the purpose of installing boat ramps. The citizens of north Cortez united under the Concerned Citizens for Cortez Coalition to inform the commissioners on the infrastructure challenges of the area that proved that boat ramps could not be located safely on the site.”

Strakes said nothing has changed to make boat ramps feasible at the site.

Mark Silagy, president of Cove Pointe Condominium Association and a coalition board member, expressed concerns about traffic safety.

“There are unique infrastructure challenges in our area as well as existing traffic congestion. Our residential roadways cannot safely accommodate boat ramp traffic,” he said. “These narrow winding streets have hazardous 90-degree blind corners that are impossible for vehicles towing boats to navigate without encroaching completely into the opposite lane.”

Michael Albert, president of Mariner’s Cove, said 96% of residents oppose the inclusion of boat ramps in the redevelopment plan.

“This is a call for smart sustainable growth that benefits all county residents and visitors without compromising the safety and quality of life in Cortez,” he said.

Commission response

“The need for a boat ramp to relieve the pressure on the existing Anna Maria ramps dates back almost 15 years when we began discussing options and alternatives to service the area south of Manatee River,” Manatee County Natural Resources Director Charlie Hunsicker said. “The last 11 years we have been working with the developer of the Peninsula Bay and we found the cost of that development public/private partnership was too great to meet the objectives of our ramp relief and we backed away. And we did so almost simultaneously with the opportunity to acquire what we call the Cortez Marina, Seafood Shack.”

Hunsicker said there is roughly $4-$5 million in funding for improvements to the property, adding that the site is a possible landing site for the county-owned Gulf Islands Ferry.

“We have very limited public funds,” Commissioner Tal Siddique said.

“The initial thought is to come back with two conceptual plans,” Manatee County Deputy County Administrator Bryan Parnell said, adding that there will be a focus on traffic flow through the property.

Siddique made a motion to authorize staff to initiate the development of the conceptual plans for the property.

“There’s a lot wrong with this, there’s a lot of public safety issues,” Commissioner Bob McCann said. “How much does it cost to start planning and permitting?”

Parnell noted that the property will have to be rezoned based on what is designed.

“Can this be done without a boat ramp there?” McCann asked.

“Without a boat ramp that would not be in line with the original requirement and the funding that was approved for the project,” Parnell said. “The original CIP project that we moved funding from was for boat ramps.”

“It sounds like there’s a lot of objections to this by the people that actually live in the area there,” McCann said. “How are we going to make sure they have a cohesive area where they live and enjoy their life?”

“I don’t have an answer to that question,” Parnell said. “Right now, we’re directed to execute the project to build boat ramps and that’s what we’re moving on. “

McCann said he would vote against boat ramps. Meeting attendees applauded.

“I think we’re rushing this a little. When we went under contract we didn’t anticipate Helene and Milton,” Commissioner George Kruse said. “We’re also rushing this at a questionable budget time. We don’t know what our taxes are going to look like after November’s ballot initiative. If you think you’re building whatever your concept plan is for $5 million, you’re delusional.”

Kruse suggested that for the short term, the property could be developed as a green space with a concession and playground.

“I think you could make something extremely nice there that goes along with Cortez and allows for nice park green space,” he said. “I’m not saying that’s the final plan.”

Kruse said he would like to see a concept plan with boat ramps and without boat ramps.

“We owe it to the public to show them both,” Commissioner Mike Rahn said.

“I don’t know if we have the funding for a boat ramp,” Commissioner Amanda Ballard said. “I don’t dislike the option of parceling out and selling portions to private businesses and then utilizing those funds to make what we have better. “

“We have enough right now to proceed with design master planning of the site,” Parnell said.

“I like the gradual step utilizing the property as a green space right now,” Commissioner Carol Felts said.

“If we only have the money to do the plans, and we don’t have the money to do the building, there’s no real hurry to build this,” McCann said.

A motion to approve authorizing staff to bring back multiple conceptual plans including some with boat ramps and without boat ramps passed 5-1 with McCann opposed. Commissioner Jason Bearden was absent.

Related coverage

Cortez residents form coalition to oppose boat ramps at Shack

Cortez remembers those who served during Veterans Day tribute

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

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 Village Historical Society (CVHS) and friends met at the center for an informal coffee gathering and Veterans Day tribute.
“Today is really special. We’re here to acknowledge and honor our veterans and their service to the defense of our nation,” CVHS Vice President Paul Dryfoos said. “Cortez has a very strong tradition of national service, and many Cortez families have sent family members off to World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Middle East; generation after generation of service.”
Dryfoos noted that CVHS is an historic organization.
“I wanted to point out our veterans wall, which has an honor roll for the first and second World Wars,” he said. “There is some really great memorabilia, including one of the uniforms which I understand belonged to a member of the Adams family.”
He then told the story of the Adams family, six brothers from Cortez who served during World War II, and were recognized in 1988 by the late Florida Gov. Lawton Chiles, who added a tribute to the brothers in the Congressional Record.
Dryfoos read some of Chiles’ narrative during the tribute: “Mr. President, I would like to pay tribute today to the Adams family of Cortez, Florida. The reason I am calling attention to this one native Florida family is because all six of the brothers, William, Leon, Willis, Cleveland, Henry and Clyde, served overseas in the U.S. armed services at the same time during World War II.”
“Think about it,” Dryfoos said. “Six brothers serving very much on the front lines at the same time.”
Dryfoos told the stories of two of the brothers.
“Willis Howard Adams, who’s known as Snooks, he was the third son, he was the first one to enlist,” he said. “He enlisted in the Navy in 1941 and had a total of seven battle stars awarded on the various ships on which he served. After the war, Snooks returned to Cortez and went back into the family fishing business. Ultimately he went into a career in law enforcement, and was with the Manatee County Sheriff’s Department and was chief of police of Holmes Beach.”
“His brother Clyde, the youngest brother, joined the Army Air Force in 1942 and he flew 15 combat missions, but he was shot down on his 15th mission,” Dryfoos said. “He spent a year in a German POW camp and then he came back to Cortez. He re-enlisted and flew 15 more missions in the Korean War. This is the kind of grit and determination that we all know sons and daughters of Cortez have had through history.”

Longtime Cortez resident Carol Kio-Green reflected on the service of Cortez residents during World War II.
“There were at least 67 members of Cortez who served,” she said. “In a community with a population of around 500, that’s over 10% of the population left to go into service. That was a substantial loss of the people who were fishing.
“My mother used to say she had 20 first cousins in the service and she never bothered to sit and count the second cousins and cousins once removed; it was a huge number for such a small community,” Kio-Green said.
Ardeth Black spoke about her husband, Greg, a Vietnam veteran.
“He was shot in the leg in a swamp mission. He is surviving under the effects of Agent Orange and is doing his best,” she said. “In honor of Greg, I’m going to make a donation to the Cultural Center. I would encourage others to do the same. It’s for Greg and the Vietnam vets.”
“My dad was lieutenant commander in the Navy on the USS Enterprise, and he got shot down overseas,” Sharon Otis said. “When you see the movies, that’s him. We knew the stories were going to die with him, because you know they won’t talk about it. My son got a lot of information before he died in ‘94.”
Allen Garner grew up in Cortez and knew the men who had served in World War II, including his father.
“It was basically every young man in Cortez,” Garner said. “The one thing I know about all those guys was they’d always share the funny stories and the interesting things that happened. None of them liked to talk about the dark side of the war.”
Joe Egolf, a veteran, said, “The appropriate response when someone says, ‘Thank you for your service’ is, ‘You were worth it.’ ”

Volunteers, vendor applications available for Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival

Volunteer, vendor applications available for 2026 Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival

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

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 committee met on Nov. 3 to discuss details for the Feb. 14-15, 2026 festival, which annually attracts thousands of visitors to the historic fishing village and features food, live music, local art and educational talks.

Application information for art vendors, food vendors and sponsorships are available at https://fishcortez.org/commercial-fishing-festival/

Volunteers to help greet visitors and assist with ticket, beverage sales and T-shirt sales can apply at https://fishcortez.org/get-involved/

This theme for the 2026 festival is “Boat To Market.”

All the proceeds from the volunteer-run festival will benefit FISH and its mission to preserve the village of Cortez and continue the conservation of the 98-acre FISH Preserve to the east of the village.

The festival will be on 46th Avenue at the end of 123rd Street in front of A.P. Bell Fish Co. and Star Fish Co.

Cortez man dies in shooting at home

Cortez man dies in shooting at home

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

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.

Deputies responded to a report of a shooting inside a home in the 12300 block of Baypointe Terrace shortly before noon. Upon arrival, they encountered 35-year-old Ian Douglas rendering aid to his father, who had been shot once in the neck, according to MCSO.

Emergency medical personnel attempted lifesaving measures on Andrew Douglas, but he could not be revived and was pronounced dead at 12:20 p.m.

Ian Douglas reportedly told deputies he was showing his father a handgun when it accidentally went off. After further investigation, detectives charged Ian Douglas with manslaughter by culpable negligence. He was booked into the Manatee County Jail.

As of Wednesday morning, t

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Slicker's to celebrate four year anniversary on May 17

Slicker’s to celebrate four years on May 17

Written by Leslie Lake on . Posted in Business, Restaurants | Bars.

CORTEZ – Slicker’s Eatery is celebrating its fourth anniversary on Saturday, May 17 under a giant tent with live music, food, raffles and prizes.

After being closed down for 128 days following extensive damage to the restaurant from Hurricane Helene and the long haul back to reopening the doors, the anniversary has special significance to owner Bob Slicker and his staff.

The actual anniversary of the restaurant was in February, but Slicker wanted to celebrate resilience following the storms.

“It’s means more now than it did before. We were excited about the way things were going before the hurricane,” Slicker said. “(Since reopening) It was like opening a whole other restaurant, we changed the concept a bit, we changed the style a bit and we added a lot of things to the menu for the economy and Cortez.”

He has added burgers, bratwurst, wings and pretzels to the menu.

“It’s interesting, it’s like starting over again,” Slicker said. “Our fourth anniversary is almost like a first year. We really changed everything purposely to help the (Cortez) village. Everyone’s going to be tight on money, there aren’t as many tourists, which means the locals are going to have less money.”

Slicker maintains a positive attitude and has been involved in charitable initiatives through the Anna Maria Island Rotary Club, which has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to local causes.

“We’ve overcome quite a bit here, so for us this is really parallel to life, and how we deal with life and get through it and stay strong and stay happy and stay loving and kind,” Slicker said. “The last four years haven’t turned out how I wanted it to because of the struggles, but overall, spiritually and emotionally I couldn’t expect any more.”

Christine Olson, the founder of TIFF (To Inform Families First) will be available at the anniversary celebration to have people sign up for the initiative to link emergency contacts to a driver’s license.

“Because of Christine, in Florida we think it’s common to have that on your license. Now there’s 18 states doing that, and we would like to be nationwide by Oct. 26,” Slicker said. “We would like it to be going worldwide.”

The four-year anniversary celebration will be from 4-10 p.m. at Slicker’s Eatery, 12012 Cortez Road W.

There will be live music by Steve Paradis, a liquor basket raffle and prizes. Burgers, brats and chicken sandwiches will be available outside as well as the full menu inside.

Events

Written by Sun staff on . Posted in Entertainment, Events.

Events

Thursday, April 24

AMI Chamber Business Card Exchange and Anna Maria Island Historical Society Pat Copeland Scholarship Awards, Anna Maria Island Historical Museum, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 5-7 p.m., $5 for members, $10 for prospective members.

Friday, April 25

Arbor Day tree plantings:

  • Bradenton Beach at Bridge Street west roundabout and Gulf Drive; ribbon cutting of sabal palm, native shrubs and ground cover. 10 a.m.
  • Holmes Beach at 34th and Sixth Avenues; planting of Jamaican caper tree or fiddlewood. 11 a.m.
  • Anna Maria at Villa Rosa Park, South Bay Boulevard; planting of green buttonwood. Noon.
  • Annie Silver Community Center at 103 23rd N. Bradenton Beach; planting of mahogany tree, sabal palm and silver buttonwood; meet your county forester with hot dogs, brats and refreshments. 12:30-1 p.m.

Saturday, April 26

Reel for Rotary fishing tournament. Benefit for disaster relief efforts in Cortez village, support of “Learn to Swim” program and programs at Anna Maria Elementary School. Registration at ianglertournament.com.

Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival this weekend

Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival this weekend

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

CORTEZ – The two-day 43rd Annual Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival will bring local seafood, live music, local art and educational talks to the historic fishing village this weekend from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days.

New this year, Allen Garner will tell short history stories – “Cortez Tales” – on the Miller Dock. “Dock Talks” by the University of Florida IFAS Florida Sea Grant program will be held all day both days at the Fulford Fish House.

In recognition of the village’s recovery following last year’s hurricanes, the theme of this year’s festival is “Swamped but Never Sunk.”

Mindful of the continuing recovery efforts, the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage (FISH) board asked for Cortez residents’ opinions last November about holding the annual festival. Many residents agreed that a festival would be uplifting for residents following the hurricanes that swamped homes in the village.

All of the proceeds from the volunteer-run festival will benefit FISH and its mission to preserve the village of Cortez and continue the conservation of the 98-acre FISH Preserve to the east of the village.

The festival will be on 46th Avenue at the end of 123rd Street in front of A.P. Bell Fish Co. and Star Fish Co.

Festival hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Admission is $5, with kids 12 and under free.

The Boy Scouts, in partnership with FISH, will offer on-site parking at the FISH Preserve, one block east of the village off Cortez Road, for a $5 donation. Bus and golf cart transportation to the festival entrance at 123rd Street Court West will be provided.

Off-site parking will be available at Cortez Road Baptist Church located between 99th and 100th Street and Cortez Road, with a free shuttle to the festival provided by The Monkey Bus. In previous years, MCAT bus service was available from G.T. Bray Park to the festival. Due to the construction on Cortez Road, that service will not be available this year.

Entertainment

SATURDAY, FEB. 15

10-11 a.m. Shanty Singers

11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sycamore Shade

1-2 p.m. Introduction and Fishermen’s

Fashion Show

2-4 p.m. Eric Von Band

4:30-6 p.m. Karen and Jimmy Band (KJB)

SUNDAY, FEB. 16

10:30 a.m. to noon The Music on the Porch Gang

Noon to 2 p.m. Soul-R-Coaster

2:30-4 p.m. Jason Haram

4:30-5:30 p.m. Eric Von

County to review Annie’s rebuild

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

BRADENTON – Following a strong showing of public support for the continued existence of Annie’s Bait and Tackle at a Jan. 28 Manatee County Commission meeting, coupled with the insistence of County Commissioner Jason Bearden, the commission voted unanimously to direct county staff to explore ways to bring the hurricane-damaged Annie’s up to code.

“I feel like we keep beating around the bush on this,” Bearden said. “We’ve had people come here in public comment today that have made the decision they want to keep Annie’s. Therefore, let me show you how to get it done. County Administrator (Charlie) Bishop, I need you to figure out how to get that building up to code so that Annie’s can continue, period. No ifs, ands or buts.”

Annie’s Bait and Tackle is part of the Seafood Shack parcel that was recently purchased by the county with the intent of creating a public boating facility.

“Do I have a consensus on the board to get that done right now or do I have to make a motion?” Bearden asked.

Commissioner George Kruse then asked Bishop to work with his staff to bring back a discussion about the feasibility of bringing Annie’s up to code.

“They have to speak with FEMA. They have to talk to general contractors, and they have to figure it out.” Kruse said. “It’ll be as soon as feasibly possible they will bring it back.”

“Let’s make a motion then to confirm it,” Bearden said. “I want to make a motion to have something back with regards to what we need to do to get Annie’s back up to code within 30 days.”

That motion passed unanimously at a vote of 7-0 and brought applause from meeting attendees who spoke in support of Annie’s.

Annie’s co-owner, Bruce Shearer, spoke to The Sun after the meeting.

“They’re giving us 30 days, so I’ll be getting a bid from my contractor and bringing it back to them,” Shearer said. “I’m hoping to put it back together and get back to business.”

Shearer said there were approximately 75 people who attended the meeting in support of Annie’s.

“That did wonders,” he said. “There’s no doubt about it.”

Prior to the public comment portion of the meeting, Deputy County Administrator Brian Parnell gave commissioners an update on what is now being called the Cortez Marina property.

“Before the acquisition was finalized, the hurricanes, as anyone can see, caused extensive damage destroying the boat slips, the restaurants and the bait and tackle,” Parnell said.

Parnell said that structural inspections revealed that all the repairs would be beyond 50% of the structures’ value, which triggered FEMA regulations ensuring that any build back would be to current code.

“The current status is they are red-tagged, they are condemned,” Parnell said.

“We went under contract to acquire this pre-storm with the intention of resigning the leases,” Kruse said. “Annie’s bait shack structure is condemned and doesn’t exist. I must adhere to higher powers telling us people cannot be in there and we cannot pull permits. We can’t in good conscience issue permits and ignore FEMA and hold other people that cross the 50% threshold to a different standard on their residences.”

Kruse said the property is going to be fenced off to demolish the Seafood Shack, eliminating parking.

“There’s no boat docking there so there’s no use for a bait shack at the moment,” he said. “We had this discussion, we wanted to work in good faith with Bruce and Annie’s Bait Shack to try to put them there to keep some historical heritage associated with Cortez village in place but we cannot sign leases on condemned buildings. That’s not wise to do, and it’s not legal to do.”

“We did have those discussions prior to the hurricanes when the previous board directed us to purchase the property, we discussed how we could keep operations going on the marina for the two and a half years before we can build something new and get something in place,” Parnell said. “Post-hurricanes, it’s not an option for us anymore.”

“I know that’s not what people want to hear,” Kruse said. “The reality is we do not have a physical structure to sign a lease for. Once this is up and running, this is a good conversation to have with us, how do we refill the location which is inclusive hopefully of Annie’s Bait Shack, which I will keep beating that drum for in two and two and a half years, because I want to keep that historical component associated with this property.”

PUBLIC COMMENT

“My dad is Bruce Shearer, he owns Annie’s. I understand what you’re saying about the building,” said Anna Gaffey. “My parents Bruce and Kim bought Annie’s Bait and Tackle Jan. 1, 1996. They worked hard over the years to turn it into a place where families could come and eat, buy bait and tackle and learn about fishing.”

Gaffey said Annie’s means a lot to the community.

“Over the years, they have watched kids coming in to buy bait and have watched them grow up and now we get to see those kids all grown up bringing their kids to eat and get bait,” she said. “It’s one of the pleasures of being in a business like this, generations of love and passion for fishing.”

“Annie’s has always been an older historic building and that’s what’s important out there. We’d like to see if it’s at all possible to protect it,” Karen Bell said.

“Annies is very important to Cortez,” tour boat Capt. Kathe Fannon said. “It’s historical and a lot of people depend on it. I think taking two and a half years is not acceptable. I think we need to give him the opportunity to put the place back together.”

Shearer said he could fix the hurricane damage for about $5,000.

“If we hadn’t been hit by the hurricanes, you’d have let me stay,” Shearer said. “Five grand, that’s all the damage I’ve got.”

Following the meeting Shearer said, “It’s an iconic place, I hope to get longer than two and a half to three years.”

Seafood Shack parcel sale closes

Seafood Shack parcel sale closes

Written by Leslie Lake on . Posted in Business, Featured, Real estate | Development.

CORTEZ – Manatee County purchased the Seafood Shack and Marina on Dec. 31 after delays caused in part by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

Manatee County Property Acquisition Division Manager Charles Meador made the announcement at a Jan. 8 Manatee County Commission meeting.

“We had this agenda item on here just to provide an update, but fortunately over the past week we were able to close on the property, so that is the update, so now we left it on here so we could announce to the public that we own the property,” Manatee County Deputy County Administrator Bryan Parnell said. “It was a long journey.”

The property, which consists of seven upland parcels of approximately 5.9 acres and two submerged land leases of 2.9 acres, was appraised at $12.55 million. That appraisal assumed that two expired submerged land leases will be renewed

Commissioners unanimously approved the $13 million purchase from Vandyk Properties at a Sept. 5 land use meeting with anticipated use of the property as a public boating access facility with a boat ramp, dry storage facility and marina.

“There’s so much storm damage, the property’s unsafe; all of the facilities are condemned and we’ll have to rebuild with our new design,” Parnell said. “Most of the slips and docks and piers are destroyed as well. There’s 10 to 15 boats that are still capsized and unable to be removed. We’ll have to work through with our natural resources folks to make sure those boats are removed, and the property is made safe, so we’re going to put up a fence and make sure to cordon off the property.”

Commissioners discussed the next steps for the project, plans and possible amenities and potential leases for existing businesses on the parcel.

Commissioners Tal Siddique and George Kruse both spoke in favor of keeping Annie’s Bait and Tackle in place.

“What are we going to do about the existing leases? There’s been a lot of great places here, like Annie’s and other places, that have been longtime staples of that property,” Siddique said. “I’m fully on board with the board discussing options to discuss what the future might look like for places that currently have agreements with the prior property owner and at least having public input on that.”

Seafood Shack parcel sale closes
On the recently sold Seafood Shack property, Annie’s Bait and Tackle was damaged in two 2024 hurricanes. Co-owner Bruce Shearer said he will repair the building if he receives a five-year lease from Manatee County. – Leslie Lake | Sun

“Annie’s has been there for a long time, I don’t care if we call it a marina, I don’t care if we call it a boat ramp, I don’t care if we call it a fishing pier, people need bait. It’s a part of Cortez, and Bruce (Annie’s co-owner Bruce Shearer) is willing to put money in to get that back up and running but he can’t do that without some assurance that he’s going to have a viable business,” Kruse said. “He’s not going to put money into it just to have it knocked down.”

He asked project planners to reach out to Shearer.

“Start that conversation to see if that’s a viable option,” Kruse said. “I’d love for that to be a viable option. I think the community in Cortez would love that. It will give them some sense of normalcy in that area if we make changes to the Seafood Shack footprint. That’s my request to you.”

Annie’s has been in its current location since the 1950s and has been co-owned by Bruce Shearer and Kim Shepherd since Jan. 1, 1995. The shop sells bait and tackle, gas, beer and ice along with food served from a waterfront patio.

Annie’s building and docks sustained damage during Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

Shearer spoke to The Sun following the Jan. 8 commission meeting.

“I would be willing to put the money into it to get it back together if I could get a five-year lease from the county,” he said. “I could be back in business in a short time.”

He said it would be up to the landowner, the county, to repair the docks and he would be responsible for repairing the building.

In addressing possible traffic issues, Siddique said he would like to see ferry service run from the new facility to the Bradenton Beach Pier.

“This can allow us to reduce the number of cars on the road and give residents who are not boaters an ability to leverage this boat ramp,” Siddique said. “It would be a good idea to be good stewards of traffic, our neighbors and residents of the county who don’t want to sit in traffic going to the Island, Bridge Street, in particular, and just enjoy it. The design absolutely needs to include ferry storage and a ferry transit option to Bridge Street.”

He also noted that with the planned replacement of the Cortez Bridge in 2026 and the Manatee Bridge replacement planned after that, two fishing locations will be lost.

“With the new heights of the bridges, we will be losing two informal fishing locations. I do want staff to solicit public input and consider what we can do to allow residents to enjoy the boat ramp and have some place to cast a line and fish,” Siddique said. “At least have the design and option to fish in that spot. It’s just a great pastime and it’s a historic fishing village for a reason.”

He asked for the final marina design to consider noise abatement and pedestrian safety.

“The one thing I’m concerned about is Manatee County running a marina effectively competing with private businesses,” Siddique said. “I think we’re straying out of our core competency on that one. I’m open to be convinced otherwise, but I’ll tell you, there will be pushback you’ll see from residents and some of the business owners there.”

“The primary requirement for meeting here is we’re just putting in a boat ramp right now,” Parnell said. “If there’s additional scope through working groups that the board wants us to incorporate in there, then we’ll have those discussions.”

“I know it’s been a long haul with that seller, now let’s do something great with it,” Kruse said.

Commission receives Seafood Shack purchase update

Commission receives Seafood Shack purchase update

Written by Leslie Lake on . Posted in Business, Featured, Real estate | Development.

CORTEZ – The Manatee County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) will receive an update at its Jan. 8 meeting on the stalled Seafood Shack and Marina acquisition.

Property Acquisition Division Manager Charles Meador and Senior Real Property Specialist Tim Cristello are scheduled to update the commission at the regular meeting.

TIMELINE

On Sept. 5, 2024, the then-members of the BCC executed a contract for the purchase of the property for $13 million with seller Vandyk 1st Gulf Coast-Marina, LLC.

The anticipated use of the property is as a public boating access facility with a boat ramp, dry storage and marina.

The property consists of seven upland parcels of approximately 5.9 acres and two submerged land leases of 2.9 acres. It was appraised at $12.55 million, assuming the two expired submerged land leases will be renewed.

According to the sales contract, the closing of this transaction was to occur on or before Oct. 7, 2024.

“Property Acquisition and American Government Services, the county’s closing agent, worked on closing this transaction per terms and conditions of the contract,” according to the Jan. 8 BCC meeting agenda. “Property Acquisition completed a site visit on Sept. 10, 2024, to walk the property and talk with seller’s representatives in charge of all operations as part of the due diligence of the contract.”

At the time of the site visit the Seafood Shack property was occupied with businesses and boat slip tenants. On behalf of the seller, a Notice of Termination of Tenancy letters were sent to the tenants ordering the premises to be vacated by Sept. 30.

Hurricane Helene struck on Sept. 26 and on Sept. 30, representatives from county administration, construction services, property management, property acquisition, and sports and leisure departments, conducted a walk-thru and confirmed the Seafood Shack had sustained major hurricane damage.

“Administration directed property acquisition to move forward and close this transaction on or before Oct. 7 per the contract,” the agenda states. “On Oct. 9, Hurricane Milton made landfall and caused more damage to the Seafood Shack property.”

A closing was then rescheduled for Dec. 23, but also did not take place. According to the BCC agenda, the seller and lender were unable to close due to a financial/internal dispute.

“The seller and lender cannot mutually agree on a settlement statement amount owed to close this real estate transaction. As is, the county is not able to obtain clear title,” the BCC agenda states.

The BCC meeting begins at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 8 at the Manatee County Administration Building, 1112 Manatee Avenue W., Bradenton.

The meeting can be viewed live on www.mymanatee.org/mga and on Manatee Government Access (MGA) Spectrum Channel 644, Frontier Channel 30 and Comcast Channel 20 (within Manatee County).

Petition seeks governor review of 50/50 rule

Petition seeks governor review of 50/50 rule

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

CORTEZ – Residents of Sunny Shores want help from Gov. Ron DeSantis to keep their homes.

Citing community stability and economic burdens, an online petition drive is ongoing for residents of Sunny Shores asking DeSantis to consider a review and exception to the FEMA 50/50 rule.

Homes in the Sunny Shores community were flooded during Hurricane Helene’s storm surge and many were damaged further by the winds from Hurricane Milton. A number of those homes are now subject to the 50/50 rule which prohibits improvements to a structure exceeding 50% of its market value unless the entire structure is brought into compliance with current floodplain regulations. Those regulations include elevating the structure.

Sunny Shores consists of mobile homes along with single and multi-family properties. The land is owned by individual owners.

The petition was written by Jamie Reed who did not attend a Nov. 20 meeting in the Sunny Shores clubhouse. Betsy Plante explained the petition to residents.

“There is a precedent in Lee County where an exception was made, we were told, where the county made exceptions to the rule,” Plante said. “Jamie decided to put this petition on the Change.org website.”

The petition may only be signed online.

“Go to Change.org and search and type in Sunny Shores,” Plante said. “It says ‘petition to allow and review exceptions to the 50% rule for Sunny Shores.’ It doesn’t have to be just Sunny Shores people to sign this.”

She invited people to post the petition link on social media and share it.

Many residents questioned what they said were low FEMA values for their homes on the Manatee County Property Appraisal site, noting that those values may make compliance with the 50% rule difficult for some.

“The first place to start is this petition and get as many people as you can to sign the petition,” Plante said.

Plante, who is president and co-founder of The Blessing Bags Project, a non-profit dedicated to helping the homeless population, raised concerns about homelessness if residents are unable to stay in their Sunny Shores homes.

“I’m concerned about seniors and homelessness,” she said. “What’s going to happen if you put these people out of their homes?”

One resident suggested the group seek legal representation in addition to the petition.

“Would you like to try to get an attorney to come here just as a consult?” Plante said. “Blessing Bags Project will take care of the fee for a consult.”

The petition

“We, the undersigned residents and interested parties of Sunny Shores, respectfully petition for a review of the current application of FEMA’s 50% rule. While we recognize the importance of safety and resilience in floodplain management, we believe that strict enforcement of this rule places undue financial and emotional burdens on our community, particularly in the wake of the recent hurricanes,” the petition introduction states. “We urge state leaders to consider exceptions or adjustments to repair and restore our homes in a way that is both economically feasible and sustainable.”

The petition sites five reasons for the request.

“1.      Economic Burden on Homeowners:

Requiring substantial modifications to meet current flood standards when repair costs reach 50% of a property’s structure value can create significant financial hardship for homeowners. Many residents in Sunny Shores, particularly those on fixed incomes, simply cannot afford the high costs of full compliance. This can force families to abandon homes they’ve lived in for many years, disrupting the fabric of our community.

  1.      Precedent for Exceptions:

In past hurricane recoveries, Florida communities have been allowed flexibility in enforcing this 50% rule, helping residents rebuild quickly and affordably. We believe similar considerations should be given to Sunny Shores, allowing our community to restore homes without unnecessary financial strain.

  1.      Expedited Recovery:

Exceptions for the 50% rule would enable our community to recover more rapidly from storm-related damage. Allowing repairs without extensive modifications can speed up the rebuilding process, reduce displacement, and help stabilize property values.

  1.      Community Stability and Livelihood:

Our community is strong when its residents are supported in their ability to stay and rebuild. By allowing exceptions to the 50% rule, Sunny Shores can maintain its local identity, support its economy, and ensure that long-time residents are not forced out due to unaffordable mandates.

Our Request:

We respectfully request that state and local officials work with FEMA to review the 50% rule as it applies to Sunny Shores. Specifically, we ask for flexibility or special consideration in cases where strict enforcement of this rule would impose severe economic hardship, especially for properties with significant historic and/or sentimental value. Such exceptions would allow us to protect our community’s character and give residents the opportunity to rebuild affordably.

We, the undersigned, urge you to support a review of the FEMA 50% rule for Sunny Shores and to work toward a fair and compassionate approach to floodplain management in our community.”

To sign the petition, visit Change.org.

Cortez Fishing Festival details forthcoming

Cortez Fishing Festival details forthcoming

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

CORTEZ – Mindful of residents’ concerns following damage from hurricanes, FISH board members asked the Cortez community for input before scheduling the February 2025 Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival.

At a Nov. 11 meeting at Star Fish Co. with Cortez residents, the consensus of residents and Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage members was that the annual festival should be held. The two-day festival features music, arts and crafts, fresh seafood and educational activities.

Discussions centered around the impact on the community versus the uplifting effect a festival would have on a community that’s been rebuilding from damage since Hurricane Helene in September.

“There were concerns that the neighborhood might be too overwhelmed, or that it’s too close and there might not be time,” FISH member Karen Bell said. “The thoughts against so far were there’s too much going on right now.”

Some suggested possibly scaling back the festival or changing its configuration to lessen the impact on neighbors.

The two-day festival was rained out for one day in 2024 and was canceled altogether in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The festival is a fundraiser for maintenance of the FISH Preserve, as well as for multiple community projects.

Details about the size and configuration of the festival will be announced at the FISH board meeting scheduled on Monday, Dec. 2.

Mother of two killed in crash

Mother of two killed in crash

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

BRADENTON – The 37-year-old mother of two little girls, Sara Danielle Holmes, was struck and killed in a crash by a suspected drunk driver on Cortez Road on the way home from her job at Swordfish Grill Saturday night, Nov. 2.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to raise funds for funeral expenses and for her two daughters. Donations may be made using the following link:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-saras-family-through-this-tragic-time

On Sunday, Swordfish Grill posted the following on its Facebook page:

“It is with a heavy heart that we share the devastating news that our beloved bartender, Sara, tragically lost her life after being struck by a drunk driver. Sara was so much more than a coworker — she was family. Her warm smile and kind spirit lit up our restaurant, bringing joy not only to our customers but to every member of our team.

Sara leaves behind two young little girls, who will now need all the support they can get. To honor her memory and help her family through this unimaginable time, we’re sharing a GoFundMe link to assist with her funeral costs and to help care for her little ones.

Please keep Sara’s family, friends, our staff, and all those who loved her in your thoughts. And let this be a heartbreaking reminder of the importance of never drinking and driving. We hope Sara’s story can help prevent another tragedy like this.”

According to a press release, the Bradenton Police Department’s Traffic Homicide Unit is investigating the fatal crash involving a suspected drunk driver.

According to investigators, at approximately 10:40 p.m. on Nov. 2 Cesar Navarrete, 25, was speeding westbound on Cortez Road in his Nissan Altima. Navarette ran a red light and slammed into the passenger side of a Chevrolet Equinox that was turning onto northbound 43rd Street West.

The passenger in the Equinox, Holmes, was transported to a nearby trauma center and succumbed to her injuries the morning of Nov. 3. The driver of the Equinox and Navarrete both received non-life-threatening injuries in the crash.

BPD arrested Navarrete on an outstanding warrant for driving with a suspended license. Investigators suspect Navarrete was impaired at the time of the crash and conducted a DUI investigation. Additional charges are pending the outcome of the investigation.

Star Fish reopens following hurricanes

Star Fish reopens following hurricanes

Written by Leslie Lake on . Posted in Business, Restaurants | Bars.

CORTEZ – With weeks of hard work behind them of cleaning up flood damage caused by Hurricane Helene, Star Fish Company Dockside Restaurant and Seafood Market reopened on Oct. 31.

“Mother Nature always wins, but human nature will always come back,” Star Fish manager Jim Gowett said seeing the full lunch crowd at the outdoor landmark restaurant.

Star Fish Company reopens following hurricanes
Customers enjoying lunch at Star Fish Company restaurant’s Oct. 31 reopening following hurricane clean up. – Leslie Lake | Sun

Gowett has worked at Star Fish Company for 26 years and as manager for eight. He said the buildings there had never gotten water before.

Following the storm surge from Hurricane Helene on Sept. 27 more than two feet of water got into the buildings, carrying along with it mud and silt.

“We came here right after the hurricane and we were in shock,” he said. “We didn’t even know where to start.”

Gowett said the staff then got to work on cleaning every item in the restaurant and seafood shop.

“We cleaned every shell, every bottle,” he said. “We had this cleaned up and ready to go a week ago, but like everyone else, our coolers and equipment got destroyed with the water, so we were waiting for new ones to be delivered.”

Following Hurricane Helene, broken dock planks were scattered on the dock and tables were overturned by the force of the water.

Star Fish owner Karen Bell said it took a lot of work to get everything back together.

“The docks were a mess, and we are still missing the floating dock,” she said. “All the kitchen equipment had to be replaced due to flood water. But we got it done and I am so happy to be open.”

Star Fish Company reopens following hurricanes
The docks at Star Fish Company were damaged by storm surge from Hurricane Helene. Following repairs and cleanup, the restaurant and seafood market reopened on Oct. 31. – Leslie Lake | Sun

Star Fish has a long history as a Cortez landmark.

According to the Star Fish Company website, it was started in the early 1920s by Judge Millis. Gaylord Garner purchased the business in the 1950s and his son Allen took it over in the late 1980s.

It was primarily a wholesale company before the addition of the retail market in the 1960s.

“In 1996 Allen Garner sold the company to its current owner, Karen Bell. Karen felt that in addition to offering the public fresh seafood in the retail market, it made sense to start offering cooked seafood also. A small kitchen was upgraded and eight picnic tables were placed on the back dock. A restaurant was born,” the Star Fish website states.

The Star Fish Company restaurant serves locally harvested seafood from Cortez fishermen. Outdoor seating provides views of the local commercial fishing fleet and Sarasota Bay.

The Star Fish Company Seafood Market features seafood from local waters including grouper, snapper, mullet and stone crab claws.

Star Fish Company is located at 12306 46th Avenue W. in Cortez.

Rotary Club seeks car, bike donations for hurricane victims

Rotary seeks car, bike donations for hurricane victims

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

CORTEZ – The storm surge from Hurricane Helene not only flooded homes in Cortez, but it also destroyed many vehicles there.

To help residents recover their means of mobility, The Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island has initiated a vehicle and bicycle donation program.

“A significant number of our neighbors have lost their vehicles during the recent hurricanes and are now left with no transportation to work and do simple things, such as buy groceries,” The Rotary Club posted on its Facebook page,

The club is accepting donations of used cars and bicycles to help these individuals get back on their feet.

“Do you own a car that you no longer need? We would love to take it off your hands and are able to offer drivers for vehicles not located on the Island. This is a way to truly make a difference in our community while making a tax-deductible donation for the value of your vehicle,” the Facebook post continues.

“We’re working from a list,” Rotary Board Member Bob Slicker said. “We’re starting first in Cortez village then on to Sunny Shores and then we’ll move out from there.”

Slicker said the first on the list is an 87-year-old individual with cancer who needs a means to get back and forth to treatments.

“Three people in their home, the car was ruined in the storm. The oldest person in the home is going through cancer treatment,” Slicker wrote on his personal Facebook page. “This car will help them get to and from, treatments and work. I know someone knows that somebody that has a car they are not using. Won’t you consider this life-changing donation?”

Slicker said 17 donated bicycles have been distributed and donations of working bikes will be appreciated. He said Bring on the Ministry is repairing some donated bicycles.

Slicker said he has been involved in hurricane relief efforts for more than 20 years.

“I know what people need right away after a storm,” he said. “There are health needs now and financial needs.”

The Rotary Club also provides meals daily at the Sunny Shores distribution center.

They also provided dehumidifiers to locals including the Cortez Cultural Center, the Cortez Church of Christ and multiple residences. The Rotary has donated 20 mini-refrigerators to residents.

Slicker has been personally affected by recent hurricanes both at his home and his restaurant, Slicker’s Eatery.

“We are all in this together,” he said.

At a recent fundraiser, more than $17,000 was raised for The Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island to benefit Cortez and the surrounding area.

“Thank You, Harbor Landings. A two-hour party, just over 50 people, live music, thank you, Mike Sales, silent auction and a live auction, BYOB, that’s all it took,” Slicker wrote on his Facebook page following the fundraiser.

Donations to the hurricane relief efforts may be made at: https://ami-rotary-helene.square.site/

Those having a car they wish to donate can call Slicker at 941-650-2333.

As a way of helping restaurant workers who have been out of work since the hurricanes, Slicker’s will be hosting a hurricane relief party in the parking lot at 12012 Cortez Road W. on Saturday, Nov. 2 from 2-7 p.m. Live music will be provided by Billy Rice from 2-4 p.m. and Dos Macs with Smokin’ Joe from 5-7 p.m.

Food and drinks are free to hurricane victims and all donations will be given to employees of four local restaurants.