Michael Jepson

Interviewee Sort descending Collection Description Interviewer Date of Interview Location of Interview Affiliation
Albert Mora Vanishing Culture Project

"When you go into another man's territory you've got to fish like he does. You've got to learn to fish like they fish or you won't catch nothin'. Everybody learns. Every community fishes different."

Michael Jepson, Wayne Nield Cortez, FL Florida Humanities Council, Florida Institute of Saltwater Heritage, Florida Maritime Museum
Alcee Taylor Vanishing Culture Project

Alcee Taylor is a native of Cortez, Florida, a historic fishing village known for its rich maritime heritage. Born into a family of boat builders, Taylor's father was known for building skiffs, a versatile type of boat that was adapted to the shallow waters of Florida's bays and estuaries. Taylor himself has a deep connection with the fishing industry, having bought fish in North Carolina and worked with the Florida Shrimp Exchange. He also served in the military, after which he engaged in fishing activities in North Carolina.

Michael Jepson, Wayne Nield Cortez, FL Florida Humanities Council, Florida Institute of Saltwater Heritage, Florida Maritime Museum
Bill Burk A History of Red Tide events on the West Coast of Florida

Bill Burk is a seasoned fisherman and expert in the fishing industry with over four decades of experience. As a native of North Florida, he has witnessed and adapted to the changing fishing practices and environmental impacts on the Gulf Coast. 

Scope and Content Note

Michael Jepson, Mandy Karnauskas Clearwater, FL Southeast Fisheries Science Center
Bruce Hitchcock A History of Red Tide events on the West Coast of Florida

Bruce Hitchcock is an experienced fisherman and fishing guide residing in Everglades City. He primarily focuses on inshore and backcountry fishing. He has been fishing in the area for over 40 years and has been diving there for 25 years. Throughout his time in Everglades City, he has almost never noticed any Red Tide event until 2012.

Michael Jepson, Amanda Stoltz Everglades City, FL Southeast Fisheries Science Center
Bryon Holland A History of Red Tide events on the West Coast of Florida

Bryon Holland is an experienced fisherman with a passion for the waters off Johns Pass, where he has been fishing since 1984. With a background in commercial fishing and later transitioning to charter boat fishing, Bryon has extensive knowledge of the region's marine life and fishing patterns. 

Scope and Content Note

Michael Jepson, Amanda Stoltz Madeira Beach, FL Southeast Fisheries Science Center
Calvin Bell Vanishing Culture Project

Calvin Edison Bell was born on November 14, 1929. He is the son of Aaron Park Bell, a commercial fisherman from North Carolina, and Jessie Blanche Fulford. Calvin grew up in a family of seven children, with five brothers and one sister. He lived in the same house in Cortez, Florida, for his entire life. Calvin followed in his father's footsteps and became a commercial fisherman, participating in various types of fishing including mackerel fishing, mullet fishing, and seine fishing.

Michael Jepson, Wayne Nield Cortez, FL Florida Humanities Council, Florida Institute of Saltwater Heritage, Florida Maritime Museum
Cortez Grand Old Opry Vanishing Culture Project

Goose Culbreath and members of the Cortez Grand Old Opry play Bluegrass music.  The interview includes both playing and talking about the music.  Other members are Rich Culbreath and Ray Bach.

Michael Jepson Cortez, FL Florida Humanities Council, Florida Institute of Saltwater Heritage, Florida Maritime Museum
David Zalewski A History of Red Tide events on the West Coast of Florida

Dave Zalewski is an experienced charter boat captain  from Madeira Beach. With over 35 years of expertise, he specializes in offshore fishing along Florida's coast. 

Scope and Content Note

Michael Jepson Madeira Beach, FL Southeast Fisheries Science Center
Doris Green Vanishing Culture Project

This interview discusses mostly family history.  She did a lot of Cortez history work.  Green wrote a book, Fog's Comin In, a history of Cortez with many pictures.

Michael Jepson Cortez, FL Florida Humanities Council, Florida Institute of Saltwater Heritage, Florida Maritime Museum
Earl Taylor Vanishing Culture Project

Mr. Earl Taylor talks about his fishing history with others over the years. He quit when he was married and was a cook for a while before he came back to fishing.

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