Big Cortez Fishing Festival an asset to area

The 34th Annual Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage (F.I.S.H) Festival at Cortez was a huge success last weekend with thousands of people flocking to the event and enjoying the fresh seafood, and the booths with all kinds of delectable food, drink, souvenirs and music. What a scene it was!

I am told that Cortez is the only "fishing village" still existing on the whole Florida coast. Obviously it is something to be very proud of.

Local people and visitors from all over the country flock here each year to enjoy the festival atmosphere, and the opportunity to enjoy good food and learn more about our local commercial fishing industry. Do we want to get all of our seafood from other countries, or can we support and conserve the industry here at home?

I heard an good talk about the fishery by one of the Cortez fishermen. The industry began here in the 1880s when the Village of Cortez was established by the fisher families, with their descendants still live here.

But many people I spoke with, some local natives and many visitors, felt that places like Cortez village are disappearing. The Bradenton area is set for a major housing expansion, much of it along the protected shores, where fish spawn. Many people said to me that the charm that makes this place interesting and appealing when they are here is disappearing. They said the "Old Florida" places are fewer and far between.

It is my belief that we need to consider seriously how Bradenton's many plans for building more and more housing developments, especially around the coastal areas here, should be weighed against the state and federal laws to protect the bay areas for future generations, and the enjoyment of our natural shore areas.

Susan L. Johnson

Bradenton

This story was originally published February 20, 2016 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Big Cortez Fishing Festival an asset to area ."