Concerned Citizens of Cortez Coalition Supports Smart Waterfront Development and Raises Concerns Over Boat Ramp Plans at Seafood Shack Property

CORTEZ, FL – The Concerned Citizens of Cortez Coalition (CCCC), a local community group, is calling for a thoughtful and forward-looking approach to waterfront planning that enhances the beauty, safety, and long-term vitality of Cortez, while urging county leaders to reject the placement of proposed boat ramps in the area.

With all the development happening in the area, it’s important to pay careful attention to safety, traffic, noise and overall community impact, ensuring new projects are smart, measured, meet the needs of both residents and visitors, and don’t cause environmental or economic harm, or create harmful externalities for its neighbors.

Recent survey data underscores the depth of community desires and concerns. Among the 327 homeowners in residential areas most impacted by the development, an extraordinary 93% participated in the survey. The results show overwhelming agreement on key issues with 99% supporting the revival of the CCCC, which successfully overcame the same challenge 20 years ago while representing residents’ interest and engaging with county officials.

Survey results reveal 96% oppose the inclusion of boat ramps due to safety, traffic congestion, noise and environmental concerns. Survey respondents also expressed strong support for balanced community-enhancing development including amenities like waterfront dining, a bait and tackle shop, a marina with marine fueling, and a passive recreational area.

The organization emphasizes that Cortez has a wonderful opportunity to develop a welcoming, communityfocused waterfront—one that attracts visitors, supports local businesses, strengthens recreation, maintains the character residents value, and contributes to the economic vitality of the county through additional tax revenue that benefits our entire community.

“We want to be clear: our goal is not to stop progress, but to guide it with input from the people who live here and are invested in the long-term livability and economic growth of our area,” the group said. “Cortez deserves waterfront improvements that make our area more beautiful, more accessible, and more enjoyable—not development that introduces major burdens without meaningful wide-spread community benefit.”

The group is encouraging residents and business owners to lend their voices as key decisions are made about the future of the waterfront. Public input, they say, will be essential in shaping a plan that reflects the values and needs of the entire community.

For more information or to get involved, please visit our website, www.cortezcoalition.com or contact the organization directly @ info@cortezcoalition.com