MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — Cortez isn’t your typical waterfront community in Florida. The longstanding commercial fishing village in Manatee County is home to families going back multiple generations.
The tightknit community was devastated by Hurricane Helene. Many residents lost everything they own.
“This area is one of the lowest income areas in Manatee County,” Bob Slicker said. “It is the oldest active fishing village in Florida, so we are talking fourth generation people that live all in low level homes, not million dollar homes. Everybody has been affected.”
Slicker owns Slicker’s Eatery on Cortez Road. His business suffered damage from about 3.5 feet of storm surge from Hurricane Helene. As he and his crew work to rebuild the place, the parking lot has become a hub of sorts.
Each day, local storm victims and first responders can stop by the restaurant to grab a free hotdog lunch from volunteers with the local rotary club, which Slicker is a part of. People looking to volunteer and lend a helping hand to residents in the village or drop off donations can come by the restaurant as well.