Coastal Cottages vacationers had a fun opportunity last weekend to celebrate one of the last remaining working fishing villages in Florida. The 29th Annual Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival took place this year on Feb. 19th and 20th. It's just a short drive over the Cortez bridge from Anna Maria Island.
The two-day fishing festival gives visitors the opportunity to learn more about coastal commercial fishing and its history. The town offers two working fish houses providing grouper, mullet, stone crab, baitfish and other seafood to local and international markets.
Other activities included live music, nautical arts and crafts, kids' games and famous Cortez seafood. Proceeds from each festival support the purchase and restoration of 95 acres of mangrove wetlands immediately east of the village, the FISH (Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage) Preserve. More than 50 arts and crafts vendors, as well as participants offering boat rides and sponsoring marine life and fishing exhibitions.
This year, the event was moved to the eastern end of the historic fishing village, next to the Florida Maritime Museum ( a restored 1912 schoolhouse). The new location was a hit. Lots of shady spots and bay front breezes cooled down visitors to the festival which was held under sunny skies in the '70's.
The festival menu featured the freshest seafood in the area. Coastal visitors enjoyed live music, fabulous Florida seafood, arts and museum displays, and a day of family fun. A good time was had by all!
For more information: contact your vacation specialist at
We went to the fishing festival last week. What great choices of food! It really is a home town festival. We enjoyed walking on the docks at the Starfish Fishing Co. Good bands, arts and craft tents and plenty to do.
ReplyDeleteWe just arrived on the island. Didn't attend the fishing festival but visited Cortez and had a great fish lunch. Thanks for the info.
ReplyDeleteWe missed the festival, but really enjoyed eating on the dock at the Starfish Co. Market. We arrived before sunset and watched boats and fishing crews come in. Lots of fun!!!
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