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Meet The Owners – Heidi and John Banyas

November 2, 2022 by Heidi
Owners Heidi and John Banyas

When Cortez Dockside Cottages and Venue owners Heidi and John Banyas were looking for the perfect place to say “I do” none of the available local venues seemed to fit just right. After creating their own fairytale wedding space, the couple decided to do the same for others in the heart of the historic Cortez Fishing Village. 

With Heidi’s background in real estate and property management and John’s entrepreneurial experience, the two created Cortez Dockside Cottages and Venue in to give vacationers, families, couples and groups the perfect place to relax and celebrate special occasions.

Born and raised in Cortez and on Anna Maria Island, John is a fourth-generation commercial fisherman with deep roots in the community. In addition to the cottages, John owns and operates the Swordfish Grill & Tiki and Cortez Bait & Seafood, among other endeavors. Heidi is a longtime resident and manages several rental properties in Cortez as well as the cottages. For the couple, the creation of the cottages and venue space has been a dream come true.

“John is a man that is looked up to by others and I am blessed to call my husband,” Heidi says. “What’s better than creating a space for people to vacation, celebrate and enjoy than where your roots are? 

When John and I were planning our wedding, we struggled with where we wanted to get married. We love the white sandy beaches, salt air and nothing more than boating. As we searched for the perfect venue to start our life together, we became frustrated trying to find just the right place. As many who know us can tell you, we did in fact create the perfect venue at an existing property on Jewfish Key. In the end, our special day was a fairytale wedding, so beautiful and close to home surrounded by the most important people in our lives.  

John and I had been married for almost five years when the opportunity to own this charming, unique slice of heaven in Cortez was brought before us by a close friend. 

It was an opportunity that we never could have passed up. 

When creating the vision for Cortez Dockside Cottages and Venue, we thought back to what we had searched for in our perfect venue. Buying and renovating this property has given us the opportunity to create a place that’s unique and special for others to have their fairytale days, whether it’s a relaxing vacation overlooking the water, a family reunion or the perfect spot for a wedding celebration.

Our vision for this space is vast and comes from our hearts. Our hope is that Cortez Dockside Cottages and the Venue will welcome vacationers, families, bachelor and bachelorette parties, weddings and celebrations of all kinds to enjoy our property and make memories that will last a lifetime.”

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