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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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May 12, 2026
By Leslie Lake

Commission chooses police department over sheriff’s office 

The Bradenton Beach City Commission decided to retain the Bradenton Beach Police Department and discontinue the discussions about the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office possibly serving as the city’s co…
May 12, 2026
By Leslie Lake

County and city to negotiate plan for Tingley Library support 

MANATEE COUNTY – On May 5, the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) unanimously directed county staff to negotiate a plan with the city of Bradenton Beach for county contributions to h…
May 11, 2026
By Leslie Lake

Black skimmer colony gathering in Bradenton Beach

BRADENTON BEACH – Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring volunteers have cordoned off an area in Bradenton Beach where more than 100 black skimmer seabirds have been gathering for th…
May 5, 2026
By Leslie Lake

Pines’ ownership group declines residents’ retention proposal 

BRADENTON BEACH – An April 10 proposal submitted by the Pines Trailer Park homeowners for the long-term retention of the mobile park was declined by the park’s ownership group.  The proposal, titl…
May 5, 2026
By Leslie Lake

Sea turtle nesting season begins

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The official May 1 start to sea turtle nesting season was celebrated at Coquina Beach Café in Bradenton Beach with educational materials and displays provided by Anna Maria Island…
April 24, 2026
By Leslie Lake

Bradenton Beach considers replacing police department with sheriff’s office

BRADENTON BEACH – Bradenton Beach police officers’ efforts to potentially unionize the department have morphed into serious consideration by the city commission to utilize law enforcement services pr…
April 22, 2026
By Leslie Lake

Bradenton Beach Police Department wants to unionize, Sun to livestream Thursday’s special meeting 

The Bradenton Beach City Commission will meet on Thursday to discuss unionizing the Bradenton Beach Police Department
April 21, 2026
By Leslie Lake

Bradenton Beach seeks in-house building official

The city of Bradenton Beach hopes to hire a full-time, in-house building inspector to replace the currently contracted building official.
April 21, 2026
By Leslie Lake

FDEP concludes beach rocks investigation

BRADENTON BEACH – Building Official Rob Perry told city commissioners the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) has completed its investigation pertaining to large beach rocks recentl…
April 21, 2026
By Leslie Lake

Manatee County might fund Tingley Library repairs 

Supporters of the Tingley Memorial Library received some hopeful news regarding potential financial assistance from Manatee County.
April 20, 2026
By Leslie Lake

Commission discusses potential Salt Bar & Table violations

Salt Bar & Table’s outdoor patio was among the unpermitted work and business activities discussed during the April 16 city commission meeting.
April 20, 2026
By Leslie Lake

Augello named permanent city attorney 

City commissioners approved a contract to retain City Attorney Erica Augello on a permanent basis. 
April 20, 2026
By Leslie Lake

10th Street beach groin closed for tripping hazard

The pier-like beach groin in Bradenton Beach near the 10th Street South beach access point is temporarily closed. 
April 20, 2026
By Leslie Lake

Native greenery will beautify Bridge Street roundabout

Three local entities will partner together to beautifiy the Bridge Street/Gulf Drive roundabout by planting native greenery.
April 16, 2026
By Leslie Lake

Annual picnic brings Cortez community together

CORTEZ – Attendees at the annual Cortez Community Picnic were treated to a picture-perfect weather day, a wide variety of homemade food and a big helping of neighborhood camaraderie. Sponsored by…