Manatee County launched the first in a series of workshops July 24 on the future Cortez Marina.
The site — formerly the Seafood Shack restaurant and Annie’s Bait & Tackle — includes 5.9 acres of uplands and 2.9 acres of submerged land north of Cortez Road in Cortez. The county purchased the property for $13 million in December 2024.
Attending the workshop at the Bridge Church on 75th Street in Bradenton, Karen Bell, a Cortez business owner, said the site offers valuable deep-water access. She suggested adding 2-4 boat ramps, dockage and a small food or bait outlet.
“People need access to the water, not just to look at it, but a means to be on it,” Bell said. She also said any changes should preserve the character of Cortez, a working waterfront community.
Tim Pansiera and Laura Czuba, who live near the project, had concerns about traffic and developer influence.
Longtime boaters Jim and Debra Bartell warned against over-commercialization.
“The land needs to be developed, but I would like to see it be restored to a similar level,” Jim Bartell said. “There was a seafood restaurant … replace it … leave a little bit of what Cortez is about.”
Manatee County Natural Resources director Charlie Hunsicker underscored keeping the process open.
“We’re quite pleased that this is still a very open conversation. No decisions have been made,” he said.
Hunsicker said any development will reflect the prior use of the site.
“You know, it’s called Cortez Marina for a reason…. It isn’t Cortez Shopping Center,” he said. “We want to honor Cortez’s history.”
Additional workshops — all 5-7 p.m. — will be:
- Aug. 6, Manatee Central Library, Bradenton;
- Aug. 11, Island Library, Holmes Beach;
- Aug. 13, Rocky Bluff Library, Ellenton;
- Aug. 18, Lakewood Ranch Library, Lakewood Ranch.
Each session will include surveys and opportunities for attendees to see visual boards showcasing ideas for the property, such as boat slips, waterfront dining, recreation rentals, food truck plazas and park space.
In addition to the workshops, the county is conducting an online survey regarding the future of the Cortez Marina.
For more information, go to mymanatee.org.