Leaving few structures standing, the waterfront had to be rebuilt and is now barely recognizable from what it once was. Roaring Twenties and Great Depression During the 1920s many new changes would come to the village of Cortez. For the first time ever shipments of seafood were delivered by road as residents got cars. Electricity would also become common in the village reducing much of the work load. Cortez during the Great Depression was notably one of the only communities in the United States not to receive federal aid. World War Two As with all other areas of the country, Cortez was greatly impacted by World War II. Most men in Cortez went to war whether they enlisted or were drafted, and those that enlisted largely did so in the U.S. Navy or Coast Guard, as sailing was their way of life. Many women also went off to war, to serve as nurses and medical personnel. Those left behind during the war effort worked to ensure the survival of Cortez and its fishing industry. Although fishing prior to WWII was seen as a family business, with most of the young men and many of the women of Cortez gone workers were hired from outside of the family. Women and young girls began working and fishing for seventy five cents an hour to support their families and fill in for the men. Geography Cortez is located in western Manatee County at (27.463550, -82.672610). The village of Cortez stands at the west end of a peninsula bordered by Anna Maria Sound to the west, Palma Sola Bay to the north, and Sarasota Bay to the south. The Cortez census-designated place includes the village, plus the remainder of the peninsula to the east, as far as 86th Street. Florida State Road 684 is the main road through the community, leading east to South Bradenton and west across Anna Maria Sound to Bradenton Beach. According to the United States Census Bureau, the Cortez CDP has a total area of , of which are land and , or 56.37%, are water. Cortez is located in a safe harbor, sheltered from harsh winds by Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key (two of Florida's barrier islands). Demographics As of the census of 2000, there were 4,491 people, 2,373 households, and 1,468 families residing in the CDP. The population density was . There were 3,308 housing units at