Cortez rises above the storm — again!
Two aerial views of the Cortez Village shot with a drone around 1:30 p.m. Feb. 16 during the Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival capture the Sunday crowd and the festivities. Islander Photos: Jacob Merrifield
Two aerial views of the Cortez Village shot with a drone around 1:30 p.m. Feb. 16 during the Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival capture the Sunday crowd and the festivities. Islander Photos: Jacob Merrifield
Swamped but never sunk
Michelle Perry Feb. 15 holds a T-shirt depicting 43rd annual Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival slogan: “Swamped but never sunk.” The two-day event celebrates the fishing industry and life in the historic village of Cortez, as well as raises money for the Florida Institute of Saltwater Heritage. Islander Photos: Robert Anderson
Sara Smith Feb. 15 paints the face of Jayce Kiousis of Athens, Georgia, during the 2025 Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival.
FISH secretary and Florida Sea Grant extension scientist Angela Collins holds a red grouper during a Dock Talk at the Fulford Fish House in Cortez. The talks were held throughout the festival weekend.
Linda Parish of Cortez receives her plate of seafood Feb. 15 from Veronica Wright at the Florida Cracker Seafood Shack. Vendors served fish, stone crab, shrimp, clams and oysters, as well as other menu items.
Jacob Reeder, left, supervises at a marine touch tank during the Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival.
Alexa Rodriguez watches as her 7-month-old daughter, Ayliani Hynal, and also Christy Sylva have their caricature drawn by artist Jim Weckbacher on the first of the two-day Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival.
There are people as far as the lens can see at the 43rd annual Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival Feb. 15. The festival is an annual celebration of the fishing heritage of Cortez, one of Florida’s last true working waterfronts. Proceeds support the Florida Institute of Saltwater Heritage organization and the preservation of the FISH-owned properties, including a preserve.
Sycamore Shade rocks the stage Feb. 15. Other acts that performed at the festival included Shanty Singers, Eric Von Band, the Music on the Porch Gang, Soul-R- Coaster, Karen & Jimmy Band and Jason Haram.