Concerned Citizens of Cortez Coalition History
In September of 2005, the residents in north Cortez which borders the Seafood Shack property learned that county commissioners intended to try and purchase the property for the purpose of redeveloping it for public boat ramps. The then serving county commissioners had voted unanimously to commence negotiations for the purchase of the property.
Residents were opposed to this initiative and joined together to form the Concerned Citizens of Cortez Coalition (CCCC) to mount a campaign to inform county commissioners and the public on the reasons behind their opposition.
Twenty-years ago, on November 14, 2005, the coalition sent each county commissioner a letter officially notifying them of the formation of the coalition. In the letter, the coalition outlined the key reasons why they were opposed to the county purchasing the property to install boat ramps.
Over the following four months, the CCCC led a highly successful campaign to educate the public and garner support for their position on the county’s planned purchase of the Seafood Shack property. The campaign included activities such as press releases, media interviews, letters to the editor, and meetings with multiple public officials.
In February 2006, the then serving county commissioners voted unanimously to abandon their purchase of the Seafood Shack property.
Later that year, the CCCC was presented with an award by the Florida Public Relations Association for their achievement in leading such a highly effective grassroots campaign.
Twenty years ago, concerns about safety, traffic, noise and environmental impacts led the county commissioners to unanimously decide against building boat ramps on the old seafood shack property. Today, our community faces even more traffic, more residents and greater seasonal congestion. The CCCC respectfully asks the commissioners to once again consider the voices of the people and prioritize the safety and well-being of our community as Cortez moves toward a thoughtful and sustainable future.