SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - Cortez is a beloved small town fishing community with an “old Florida” feel.

And when Annie’s Bait and Tackle Stand and the Seafood Shack got washed away in last years hurricanes, it was devastating for the community.

The county now has ownership of the land after buying it for just over $13 million, with plans to build a public boat ramp.

“The goal is to make sure we have boat launches available there for the community, and solicit the community to see what else they’d like to see there.” District 3 County Commissioner Tal Siddique

However, the community is concerned with increased traffic, limited space, and losing their restaurants and bait stand they loved so much.

“There is a lot of concern about it from a number of perspectives,” said Mark Silagy, the pre

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