If you live in the Bradenton/Sarasota area, you’ve probably visited the famous fishing village of Cortez, Florida, at some point. Cortez, located west of Bradenton on the way to Bradenton Beach, continues to operate as a commercial fishing village, a heritage it’s maintained for more than 100 years. Cortez has an annual festival every February to honor its fishing heritage. Cortez also has smaller restaurants such as Star Fish Company that have attracted global publicity for its locally-caught fish and its authentic, “old Florida” atmosphere.
Now, there’s a new way to get to know Cortez. The Florida Maritime Museum, located in Cortez and focused on local history and culture, announced in May a passport program to encourage people to visit and support local businesses. Once passport holders visit at least 12 participating businesses and get their passports stamped, they get a free “Cortez Explorer” T-shirt from the museum.
Locations participating in the passport program include: AMI Dolphin Tours, Annie’s Bait & Tackle, Beach’n Rides & Rentals, Bradenton Boat Club, Bunny & Pirates, Cortez Bait & Seafood, Cortez Cafe, Cortez Deep Sea Fishing, Cortez Kitchen, Cortez Surf & Paddle, Cortez Watersports, Flippin’ Mullet Sports Bar, King Triton Excursions, Legend Fishing Charters, O’Shucks Raw Bar & Grill, The Sea Hagg, Seafood Shack, Star Fish Company, Swordfish Grill, The Beach Shop, Tide Tables, Tyler’s Ice Cream, YOLO adventures and WAVES Social Boat Club. The Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage (FISH), the Cortez Cultural Center and the Florida Maritime Museum and Folk School are also participating in the passport program, according to the museum. You can obtain your passport at any of the participating programs.
“The passport will drive traffic to local businesses and non-profits,” says museum supervisor Kristin Sweeting in an Anna Maria Sun article. “You don’t have to purchase anything; it’s completely free, but we highly recommend you stay, shop and visit because they’re all great community members.”
“Our goal is to make Cortez a destination,” Tyler’s Ice Cream owner Dan Alderson says in the same article. “We’re hoping to learn through this promotion what works and what doesn’t work, and then keep that momentum going so we have visitors coming here all the time.”
There’s plenty to see and do in Cortez, so make sure to check it out soon…and bring your passport!
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