Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival Attracts Large Crowds to Historic Village
The annual Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival brought thousands of visitors to the historic fishing village of Cortez, drawing steady crowds over the two-day event.
Organized by the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage, the festival featured fresh seafood, live music, artisan vendors and educational exhibits highlighting the area’s commercial fishing history. Proceeds from the event support preservation efforts within the village.
Attendees sampled locally harvested seafood prepared on site, with a variety of traditional Gulf Coast offerings available throughout the weekend. Vendor booths lined the festival grounds, offering handmade goods, nautical-themed items and information from community and environmental organizations.
The festival also included displays and demonstrations focused on commercial fishing practices and the history of Cortez, one of the last remaining working fishing villages on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Educational components emphasized the role of commercial fishing in the region’s economy and culture.
Organizers reported strong attendance and continued community involvement. The event serves as a primary fundraiser for ongoing historic preservation and waterfront protection initiatives in Cortez.