As the snowbirds head home and traffic finally eases across the Suncoast, there’s no better time for locals to rediscover one of Florida’s most authentic hidden gems — Cortez.
Tucked along Sarasota Bay just west of Bradenton, Cortez is one of the last true working fishing villages in Florida, founded in the 1880s by North Carolina fishing families. More than a century later, many of those same families are still bringing in daily catches, supplying the restaurants that define this unique coastal community.
This is Old Florida, and it’s still very much alive.
Why Cortez Still Matters
Cortez isn’t just another coastal stop — it’s a living piece of Florida history.
- One of the last active commercial fishing villages in the state
- Home to multi-generational fishing families
- Seafood that’s truly local, not shipped in
- A place that has held onto its character while much of Florida has changed around it
That sense of place is exactly what keeps locals coming back, whether they’re after fresh grouper, a sunset drink, or a quick breakfast before heading out on the water.
1. Star Fish Company
Address: 12306 46th Ave W, Cortez, FL…