Leslie Lake
July 11, 2022
Leslie Lake covers Bradenton Beach, Cortez, the environment and Anna Maria Elementary School.
February 24, 2026
Stop work order issued at Bradenton Beach Marina
BRADENTON BEACH – Acting Building Official Robert Perry issued a stop work order at the Bradenton Beach Marina property after wooden poles were erected without a city permit.
The Feb. 9 stop work…
February 24, 2026
Commission disputes former city attorney’s billing invoices
City officials are only willing to play $23,782 of the $167,674for former city attorney Ricinda Perry billed the city for.
February 17, 2026
Commission to discuss former city attorney’s invoices
On Thursday, Feb. 19, the Bradenton Beach City Commission will discuss billing invoices submitted by former city attorney Ricinda Perry.
February 17, 2026
Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival attracts thousands
Under picture-perfect skies, thousands of attendees at the 44th annual Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival enjoyed live music, local seafood dishes, arts and crafts and educational exhibits.
February 11, 2026
Proposed cruise port prompts threats to county staff
County staff is reportedly being subjected to harassment and threats related to a proposed cruise terminal project near Rattlesnake Key.
February 11, 2026
Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival entertainment announced
CORTEZ – The Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage (FISH) has released the entertainment schedule for the 44th annual Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival.
On Saturday, Feb. 14, the live mu…
February 10, 2026
Robert Talham appointed to Bradenton Beach City Commission
Retired contractor Robert Talham was appointed to serve as the next Ward 4 city commissioner.
February 10, 2026
City seeks public records from former city attorney
Five months after former City Attorney Ricinda Perry retired, the city seeks the return of all public records still in her possession.
February 10, 2026
Commission approves Bungalow Beach Resort major development plan
The Bradenton Beach City Commission approved a major development application for the construction of a two-story, 15-room hotel on the Bungalow Beach Resort property at 2000 and 2014 Gulf Drive N.
February 5, 2026
Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival celebrates past and present
CORTEZ – The 44th annual Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival will be held Saturday, Feb. 14, and Sunday, Feb. 15.
The annual festival is a celebration of the cultural history of Cortez – one of the…
February 5, 2026
“It Takes a Village” initiative rolled out
The Cortez Village Historical Society rolled out the “It Takes a Village” initiative that promotes protecting Sarasota Bay.
February 4, 2026
City commission approves acting building official
Robert Perry has been named acting Bradenton Beach building official following Bill Palmer’s recent resignation.
February 3, 2026
Hundreds attend Slicker’s Eatery send-off party
Before closing the doors of Slicker’s Eatery after five years in business, Bob Slicker greeted hundreds of well-wishers and friends at a Friday, Jan. 30, pig roast and send-off party.
February 2, 2026
StayTerra files lawsuit against Jennifer Kaleta, AMI Premier Properties
On Dec. 19, StayTerra Vacations filed a civil lawsuit against Jennifer Warren-Kaleta, AMI Premier Properties and 21 property-specific LLCs.
January 29, 2026
“It Takes a Village” initiative connects Cortez’s working waterfront, Sarasota Bay
The Cortez Village Historical Society, the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program and the Florida Maritime Museum are launching the “It Takes a Village” initiative on Saturday, Jan. 31.

















