Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival Returns Feb. 19-20

CORTEZ, FL — Last year, the annual Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival was cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, the event’s organizers, the Florida Institute of Saltwater Heritage (FISH) and the village of Cortez, are gearing up for its return.

The public is invited to celebrate local coastal heritage during the 40th annual festival Feb. 19-20, the University of Florida IFAS Extension said in a news release.

Every February for the past four decades, people have gathered in Cortez, one of Florida’s last true fishing villages, to celebrate the cultural history of the region and honor the men and women who supply fresh local seafood, UF-IFAS said.

The event features live music, nautical arts and crafts, children’s activities, environmental exhibits, seafood, and more, according to the FISH website. The public is also invited to explore local some local fishing boats, gear and fish houses of commercial fishermen.

UF is partnering with Florida Sea Grant to present “Dock Talks” during the festival to educate the public on local marine life and the value of commercial fisheries.

The Florida Maritime Museum and the Cortez Cultural Center, both steeped in history of the region, will be open during the festival.

Admission to the festival is $5 per person. Children 12 and under are free.

The festival takes place throughout the village of Cortez. To get to the village, take State Road 684, known locally as Cortez Road or 44th Avenue, and go west to the beaches. Attendees can also use the address 4415 119th Street. W.

The Boy Scouts will offer on-site parking at the FISH Preserve, 4523 123rd Street Court, for a $5 donation. Remote parking at G.T. Bray Park at 5502 33rd Ave. Dr. W. in Bradenton with a $3 round trip Manatee County Area Transit shuttle bus available.

On Saturday only, a free park-and-ride will be available from the Cortez Baptist Church at 4411 100th Street W. There are also small parking areas throughout the village, FISH said.