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Leslie Lake

Leslie Lake

July 11, 2022
Leslie Lake covers Bradenton Beach, Cortez, the environment and Anna Maria Elementary School.
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January 13, 2026
By Leslie Lake
Planning board discusses Bungalow Beach parking restrictions

Planning board discusses Bungalow Beach hotel parking restrictions

BRADENTON BEACH – After much discussion about allowable parking uses at the Bungalow Beach Resort, the planning and zoning board, on Jan. 7, recommended approval of a major development application fo…
January 13, 2026
By Leslie Lake
Bungalow Beach Resort owner objects to parking stipulations

Bungalow Beach Resort owner objects to parking stipulations

BRADENTON BEACH – Bungalow Beach Resort owner Gayle Luper emailed City Planner Luis Serna to register a protest against the parking stipulations he recommended to the planning and zoning board.  On…
January 6, 2026
By Leslie Lake
Bungalow Beach pursuing major development plan

Bungalow Beach pursuing major development plan

BRADENTON BEACH – A planning and zoning board public hearing to consider a major development plan for the Bungalow Beach Resort property at 2000 and 2104 Gulf Drive will be held Wednesday, Jan. 7, at…
January 6, 2026
By Leslie Lake
Mullet fishermen reporting a good season

Mullet fishermen reporting a good season

CORTEZ – Fish house employees and fishermen are calling this mullet season one of the best in recent memory as Cortez fish houses are filling up with mullet brought in by private fishermen.  Two of…
January 6, 2026
By Leslie Lake
Taking the plunge at the Shamrock Shiver

Taking the plunge at the Shamrock Shiver

BRADENTON BEACH – The spirit of altruism won out over the cold Gulf waters as dozens of participants took the plunge in the annual Clancy’s Irish Pub’s Shamrock Shiver charity event on New Years Day…
January 2, 2026
By Leslie Lake
Derelict boats concern Palma Sola Bay residents and boaters

Derelict boats concern Palma Sola Bay residents and boaters

PALMA SOLA BAY – As captain of Anne’s Calmwater Charters, Anne Huber enjoys sharing her knowledge about manatees, dolphins and the local waters, but there is one question she’s often asked that’s di…
January 1, 2026
By Leslie Lake
Cortez: The Year in Review

Cortez: The Year in Review

CORTEZ – The future of the Manatee County-owned Seafood Shack parcel remains to be seen but progress is being made on the 98-acre FISH Preserve in Cortez. FISH Preserve The 2024 hurricanes took thei…
December 30, 2025
By Leslie Lake
Bradenton Beach: The Year in Review

Bradenton Beach: The Year in Review

BRADENTON BEACH – Hurricane recovery, city staff changes and Pines Trailer Park’s existence marked 2025 in Bradenton Beach. Pines Pines Trailer Park residents received city approval to repair their h…
December 22, 2025
By Leslie Lake

Commissioners consider park at Seafood Shack site

BRADENTON – Citing strong opposition from Cortez residents along with lack of funding to complete a proposed boat ramp, Manatee County commissioners floated the idea of making the Seafood Shack site…
December 16, 2025
By Leslie Lake
Leffis Key Preserve remains closed pending FEMA review

Leffis Key Preserve remains closed pending FEMA review

BRADENTON BEACH – Manatee County’s Leffis Key Preserve remains closed following damage from the 2024 hurricanes and a county spokesperson said the timeline for reopening is dependent on an ongoing re…
December 16, 2025
By Leslie Lake

Cortez residents form coalition to oppose boat ramps at Shack

CORTEZ – A group of Cortez residents has mobilized in opposition to the proposed boat ramps at the former Seafood Shack property. The group, Cortez Concerned Citizens Coalition (CCCC) represents 327…
December 2, 2025
By Leslie Lake
Mounds of debris remain as hurricane approaches

Hurricane recovery assistance meeting next week

CORTEZ – A community meeting for residents to learn about Manatee County’s post-hurricane recovery assistance program, Lasting Manatee, is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 10 from 6-7 p.m. at the Old Co…
November 25, 2025
By Leslie Lake
November 18, 2025
By Leslie Lake

Cortez remembers those who served during Veterans Day tribute

CORTEZ – Cortezians have a long history of serving in the military and that service was recognized during a Veterans Day commemoration on Nov. 10 at the Cortez Cultural Center. Members of the Cortez…
November 18, 2025
By Leslie Lake

Suncoast Waterkeeper director has concerns about Palma Sola Bay water quality

BRADENTON – Dr. Abbey Tyrna, executive director of Suncoast Waterkeeper (SCWK), spoke to the Palma Sola Scenic Highway committee on Nov. 12 about the water quality in Palma Sola Bay. Tyrna presented…

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