The Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage board is focusing on repairs to the nonprofit’s buildings while advancing heritage projects designed to draw visitors deeper into the Cortez fishing village.
Discussions at a Jan. 5 meeting centered on repairs at Fishermen’s Hall, where storm-related repairs remain unfinished long after damage from the 2024 hurricanes.
Board members expressed frustration with the slow progress and contractor availability, noting that incomplete work leaves the historic building vulnerable and creates a poor public impression.
Members discussed whether to continue waiting on existing contractors or seek alternatives to complete roofing, exterior painting and related repairs, noting that delays were becoming increasingly problematic for FISH in the face of the Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival scheduled for Feb.14-15.
Planning for the annual event was another focus at the meeting, particularly regarding how FISH presents itself during its largest public event of the year.
Members also discussed volunteer needs and determined there will be no boat raffle this year because there is no suitable boat donation. Any of the boats currently available are higher in value and would not be appropriate raffle items.
This year’s festival theme is “From Boat to Dock,” a nod to Cortez’s commercial fishing industry and the work that connects fishers, docks and markets.
In other matters, the board discussed coordination with the Cortez Village Historical Society on a public heritage event 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Jan. 31.
Cindy Rodgers, CVHS president, said the next Cortez Coffee and presentation will be billed as “Our Coast and Culture: A Free Community History Lesson and Nature Stroll.” At the program, a grant-funded Cortez walking map will be shared, along with signage focused on the village’s fishing history and working waterfront. Sign installations are planned at multiple locations in the village.
About FISH
FISH, a nonprofit run by a 12-member board of directors, manages several properties in the historic Cortez fishing village, including a 95-acre preserve, a boat shop, Fishermen’s Hall and the old fire station.
The nonprofit formed in 1991 and is dedicated to the promotion, education and preservation of Cortez and its commercial fishing culture.
For more information, go to fishcortez.org or email fishcortez1991@gmail.com.
