Florida Maritime Museum at Cortez

Interviewee Sort descending Collection Description Interviewer Date of Interview Location of Interview Affiliation
J.B. Crawford Cortez Village Voices from the Fisheries

This interview with J.B. Crawford was conducted as part of the Cortez Village Voices from the Fisheries Project. This project is a collection of oral histories of Cortez, Florida community members who are involved in maritime activities (such as commercial fishermen, recreational fishermen, crew members, and fish house workers) in order to document the changing face of Cortez Village's marine environment.

Steve Marshall, Christina Package-Ward, Michael Jepson Cortez, FL NOAA-NMFS Southeast Regional Office, Manatee School for the Arts, Florida Maritime Museum at Cortez, A.P. Bell Fish Co., Inc., The Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage
John Banyas In Their Own Words

John Banyas is a fish house owner and fisherman from Cortez, Florida. His grandfather, Neriah Taylor was a boatbuilder in the community. John fishes for mullet and baitfish. He also owns a wholesale/retail seafood shop and restaurant on his property along with a boat haulout facility.

Michael Jepson Cortez, FL Florida Maritime Museum at Cortez, Florida Institute of Saltwater Heritage, Florida Humanities Council
John Campbell Cortez Village Voices from the Fisheries

John Campbell, a resident of Cortez, Florida, has spent his life engaged in the profession of fishing, a trade that runs deep in his family lineage. His career on the water is not only a testament to his personal dedication but also serves as a living history of the fishing industry's evolution. Prior to his full immersion into fishing, Campbell served in the Army, an experience that stands as a distinct chapter in his life.

Steve Marshall Cortez, FL NOAA-NMFS Southeast Regional Office, Manatee School for the Arts, Florida Maritime Museum at Cortez, A.P. Bell Fish Co., Inc., The Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage
John McDonald Cortez Village Voices from the Fisheries

John McDonald, a native of Cortez, Florida, has a rich history rooted in the local fishing industry. Born into a family of fishermen, McDonald learned the trade from his father, spending his formative years on the waters around Mullet Key. His upbringing in Cortez was marked by a close connection to the sea and the community's maritime traditions. Seeking to broaden his horizons, McDonald enlisted in the Navy, where he acquired technical education and embraced the opportunity to travel.

Steve Marshall Cortez, FL NOAA-NMFS Southeast Regional Office, Manatee School for the Arts, Florida Maritime Museum at Cortez, A.P. Bell Fish Co., Inc., The Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage
Karen Bell Cortez Village Voices from the Fisheries

Karen Bell is deeply rooted in the Cortez community, where she stands at the helm of A.P. Bell Fish Company, a family business with a rich history in the fishing industry. After attending college, she returned to lead the family enterprise. Bell's journey includes the acquisition of a restaurant, an endeavor that brought its own set of challenges, particularly in the wake of a net ban that affected sales.

Steve Marshall Cortez, FL NOAA-NMFS Southeast Regional Office, Manatee School for the Arts, Florida Maritime Museum at Cortez, A.P. Bell Fish Co., Inc., The Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage
Karen Bell In Their Own Words

Karen Bell is a dedicated member of the Cortez fishing community in Florida. Born and raised in Bradenton, she has always had a deep connection to Cortez, spending Sundays at her grandmother's house, where large family gatherings and delicious meals were a regular occurrence. Karen's father and uncles were fishermen, and she grew up surrounded by the sights and sounds of the fishing docks. Karen's father eventually transitioned from fishing to working at the AP Bell fish house in the early 1960s. In 1986, after completing college, Karen moved to Cortez and began working at the fish house.

Michael Jepson Cortez, FL Florida Maritime Museum at Cortez, Florida Institute of Saltwater Heritage, Florida Humanities Council
Ken Jenkins Cortez Village Voices from the Fisheries

This interview Ken Jenkins was conducted as part of the Cortez Village Voices from the Fisheries Project. This project is a collection of oral histories of Cortez, Florida community members who are involved in maritime activities (such as commercial fishermen, recreational fishermen, crew members, and fish house workers) in order to document the changing face of Cortez Village's marine environment.

Steve Marshall Cortez, FL NOAA-NMFS Southeast Regional Office, Manatee School for the Arts, Florida Maritime Museum at Cortez, A.P. Bell Fish Co., Inc., The Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage
Ronnie Beckham In Their Own Words

Ronnie Beckham is a third-generation commercial fisherman who now is involved in clam aquaculture. He was born and raised in Cedar Key, Florida, where he worked with his father, who was also a fisherman and used to fish for turtles. Born into a family with a rich legacy in the fishing industry, Beckham's upbringing was steeped in the traditions and practices of fishing that have been passed down through generations.

Michael Jepson Cedar Key, FL Florida Maritime Museum at Cortez, Florida Institute of Saltwater Heritage, Florida Humanities Council