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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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February 5, 2026
By Leslie Lake

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
By Leslie Lake

“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
By Leslie Lake

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
By Leslie Lake

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
By Leslie Lake

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
By Leslie Lake

“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.
January 28, 2026
By Leslie Lake

Friends of the Pelicans founder outlines hazards to brown pelicans

HOLMES BEACH – More than 70 people attended a Jan. 22 presentation by Friends of the Pelicans Inc. founder Jeanette Edwards. The presentation was given at the Island Branch Library and those who a…
January 27, 2026
By Leslie Lake

StayTerra Vacations files lawsuit against Kiri Stewart, Magnolia Cottages 

StayTerra Vacations filed a multi-million dollar lawsuit against Kiri Stewart and her Magnolia Cottages LLC.
January 27, 2026
By Leslie Lake

Lawmakers react to proposed cruise ship terminal 

 MANATEE COUNTY – State and local lawmakers reacted to the proposed development of a cruise ship terminal in northwest Manatee County on the Knott-Cowen tract of land located north of Rattlesnak…
January 22, 2026
By Leslie Lake

Commission discusses Ward 4 vacancy

City commissioners discussed filling the vacant Ward 4 city commission seat, but the lone applicant, Robert Talham, didn’t attend the meeting. 
January 22, 2026
By Leslie Lake

Beach Shop owners express hope and gratitude

An early January Facebook post by the owners of The Beach Shop announcing the possibility of the store’s closure brought an outpouring of community support and hope for the future.
January 21, 2026
By Leslie Lake

City facing challenges with FEMA reimbursements

Bradenton Beach Chief John Cosby outlined the challenges the city faces with approximately $500,000 in hurricane-related FEMA reimbursements.
January 20, 2026
By Leslie Lake
Cruise ship port proposed and opposed near Rattlesnake Key

Cruise ship port proposed and opposed near Rattlesnake Key 

Slip Knott LLC and cruise ship terminal operator SSA Marine are exploring the development of a cruise ship port in northwest Manatee County. 
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…

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