CORTEZ, Fla. — The Florida Maritime Museum, supported by the office of the Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller, is presenting an author talk and Fishing For Our Future fundraiser with Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Jack E. Davis on Thursday, March 14 from 6 – 8:30 p.m.
A professor of environmental history at the University of Florida and an award-winning author of “The Gulf: The Making of an American Sea” and “An Everglades Providence: Marjory Stoneman Douglas and the American Environmental Century”, Davis will provide a lively historical view of the Gulf of Mexico, Earth’s 10th-largest body of water. He will outline its important environmental past and provide an overview on how coastal residents are all connected to the Gulf of Mexico and in what way the ocean has been a force in human events.
Following dinner and Davis’ address at the Seafood Shack in Cortez, attendees can stay for a book signing by the author.
“We are very excited to host Jack Davis at the Fishing for Our Future event to raise funds for the Friends of the Florida Maritime Museum,” said Angel Colonneso, Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court. “Mr. Davis’ book is so relevant to our local Gulf Coast community. I was raised in Manatee County and witnessed its beauty throughout my life. Guests can look forward to a very informative and enjoyable evening.”
Tickets are on sale now. A $50 general ticket includes dinner and dessert, the author’s talk, book signing and access to a silent auction. Doors open at 5:45 p.m.
All profits from this fundraiser – up to $34,000 – will be matched by a grant from the Manatee County Tourist Development Council to benefit the Friends of the Florida Maritime Museum.
About the Florida Maritime Museum
The Florida Maritime Museum is located in a 1912 schoolhouse in the historic fishing village of Cortez. The Florida Maritime Museum collects, preserves and shares traditional knowledge, cultural artifacts and personal stories specific to Florida’s fishing and maritime heritage. This is accomplished through a collection of informative exhibits, research materials, educational programs and community events.
The Friends of the Florida Maritime Museum support the museum’s mission through accessible educational programming, such as a free lecture series and The Folk School at Florida Maritime Museum, and assists with capital improvements throughout the museum grounds. For more information, visit www.FloridaMaritimeMuseum.org.
About the Manatee County Clerk of the Court
The Florida Constitution established the Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller as a public trustee, independently elected to protect public funds and public records while executing the functions of Clerk of the Circuit Court, County Comptroller, Treasurer and Auditor, Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners and County Recorder. The Clerk oversees a staff of more than 275 people, responsible for performing nearly 1,000 constitutional or statutory functions or duties, representing the broadest and most diverse mantle of responsibility of any locally elected official. The citizens of Manatee County elect the Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller to a four-year term. Currently, Angelina M. Colonneso serves as the Clerk of the Court. For more information, call 941-749-1800 or visit www.ManateeClerk.com.