CORTEZ – After more than a year of planning, the village of Cortez is ready to host the 40th Annual Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival to raise money for the FISH Preserve. This two-day event, taking place this Saturday, Feb. 19, and Sunday, Feb. 20, will feature live music, arts and crafts, lots of food, drinks, prize giveaways, and plenty of opportunities to learn about Florida’s commercial fishing industry that supports the Cortez community. After being canceled last year due to COVID-19, festival planners have put in hard work to make the return of Cortez’s largest annual event bigger and better than ever.
One of the founders of the festival, John Stevely, calls the festival “the party with a purpose.” It’s a fitting description since the money from this two-day festival funds the expansion and preservation of the more than 100 acres that make up the FISH Preserve in Cortez.
“There is major restoration work currently underway at the festival and progress at the Preserve has been awesome,” Stevely said.
The FISH Preserve consists of more than 100 acres of environmentally sensitive land immediately east of Cortez. The site has long been an important fisheries habitat for the section of Sarasota Bay south of Cortez, often referred to as “the kitchen.” Over time, the seafood caught in this area has allowed local families to make a living and keep food on the table through the best and worst of economic climates. The Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage (FISH) is continuing to make improvements to the property so current and future generations can research, monitor and continue to learn about the fishing industry and coastal environment in Florida.
Those planning to attend this year’s festival will not only have a great time suitable for the whole family but will also know money spent is going to work for this worthy cause. With an average attendance of more than 20,000 people, this is a party not to be missed.
The Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival entrance is at the Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W. Admission is $5, and parking is available with a $5 donation to local Boy Scouts.
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