Cortez Village Voices from the Fisheries

  • Collection DOI:
    Principal Investigator:
    Christina Package-Ward
  • 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.

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 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
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