Florida Maritime Museum at Cortez

The Florida Maritime Museum in Cortez is a museum that documents maritime history and coastal activities in Florida. The collection includes navigation equipment, boat models, tools, and historical photographs showing how people worked on and with the water.

The building dates from 1912 and originally served as a schoolhouse for the community until it closed in 1961. It was later converted into artist studios before becoming the museum it is today.

The museum preserves the stories of Cortez's fishing families who have lived and worked along the coast for generations. The exhibits and documents show how local people practiced traditional crafts like boat building and fishing.

The museum is open Tuesday through Friday and some Saturdays, so check ahead before visiting to confirm the schedule. The location is easy to find and offers a relaxed setting for exploring maritime history.

The museum displays Captain Blake Banks' shell collection gathered from the Gulf of Mexico, showing the variety of marine life in the region. This unusual collection offers a different perspective on the sea beyond boats and fishing.

Location: Manatee County

GPS coordinates: 27.46775,-82.68068

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:23