FISH Cortez, Florida
The Mission
The Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage "FISH" is a non-profit, grassroots organization established in 1991.
FISH is dedicated to the preservation of the heritage of Florida's traditional Gulf Coast maritime communities.
Its mission is diverse; to assist in the operation of a museum site within the historic village of Cortez, Florida; to conduct research and assist in collecting, preserving and interpreting the culture and folk-life of Florida’s traditional Gulf Coast maritime communities and the commercial fisheries of Florida; to promote public awareness and support for protection of the marine resources and fisheries industry of Florida, and to preserve traditional maritime skills and values.
FISH is dedicated to the preservation of the heritage of Florida's traditional Gulf Coast maritime communities.
Its mission is diverse; to assist in the operation of a museum site within the historic village of Cortez, Florida; to conduct research and assist in collecting, preserving and interpreting the culture and folk-life of Florida’s traditional Gulf Coast maritime communities and the commercial fisheries of Florida; to promote public awareness and support for protection of the marine resources and fisheries industry of Florida, and to preserve traditional maritime skills and values.
2013 Festival Poster - designed by Christina Guerrero, student at State College of Florida in Bradenton
The Winter 2011 issue of The Rootbumper is available here
| rootbumper_winter.pdf |
The FISH Preserve
The Preserve encompasses over 100 acres of environmentally sensitive land and is the process of being restored by FISH. Each year the village hosts a Commercial Fishing Festival the 3rd weekend of February attended by thousands which supports this mission. In 2008 a Folk Music Festival was added and it takes place in November of every year. Land preservation and building restoration are major accomplishments of FISH.
 Another current project is the Burton General Store |
 Click to read about Net Camps |
You Can Make A Difference!
This great potential success story has not yet reached its happy conclusion and we are looking for friends who want to help write the final chapter. Make that happy ending complete and make this grassroots success a part of your life’s story. There are additional small parcels of land within the boundaries of the Preserve that remain to be bought. The Burton Store needs funds to complete its restoration/renovation. We are seeking grant opportunities and assistance in funding for all of these projects, and more. Volunteers are needed to help educate the public and promote the project, as well as to clear and clean up the property.
Donations are accepted in any amount, and are tax deductible. Every dollar helps. Checks should be made payable to: FISH and can be mailed to:
Donations are accepted in any amount, and are tax deductible. Every dollar helps. Checks should be made payable to: FISH and can be mailed to:
Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage
Post Office Box 606
Cortez, FL 34215
941-254-4972
Send us an email via the contact page
Post Office Box 606
Cortez, FL 34215
941-254-4972
Send us an email via the contact page
