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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 11, 2026
By Leslie Lake

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
By Leslie Lake

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
By Leslie Lake

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
By Leslie Lake

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
By Leslie Lake

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
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. 

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