Community Corner
Is Cortez One of the Most Unforgettable Coastal Villages in America?
What do you like best about Cortez Fishing Village? Is it the salty smell of the air, watching the pelicans float in the azure water or the taste of freshest fish you can expect to eat in a restaurant?
Cortez Fishing Village was recently ranked as one of the top ten most unforgettable coastal villages in North America. in an article that appeared on the website www.Smarttravel.com.
Here is what the author had to say about it:
"This Manatee County fishing village comes with a side of historical local lore. Claiming to be the oldest remaining fishing village in Florida, Cortez dates back to the late 1800s, and many of its current inhabitants are descendants of original residents. Today, commercial fishermen in the village still make their livings catching fish, crab, and shellfish in Sarasota Bay's blue-green waters. Learn more about the area's proud history by visiting Cortez's Florida Maritime Museum, which displays historic vessels, houses a research library, and even runs boat-building programs.
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Local Eats: Star Fish Company takes a laid-back attitude toward eating, so don't worry about peeling off those sandy clothes or changing out of your flip-flops before entering. Picnic tables right on the water provide casual seating to enjoy the day's catch."
Cortez was in the number nine slot, follow villages such as McClellanville, South Carolina, Peggy's Cove, Nova Scotia and Mendocino, California.Karen Bell, owner of A.P. Bell Fish Co. and the Star Fish Co. Market & Restaurant in Cortez, was pleasantly surprised learn of the distinction, according to the Cortez Village Wordpress blog.
“I was surprised and shocked. It’s quite an honor to be recognized as one of the great villages in North America,” Bell said in the blog. “We’re glad to share our history with others who come to visit.”
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Deb Meihls, Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau marketing director, found the news to be “wonderful and exciting.”
"This confirms what we already knew . . .what a special place Cortez is,” Meihls said in the blog.
Patch wants to know, what is your favorite thing about Cortez Fishing Village?
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