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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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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…
April 15, 2026
By Leslie Lake

Breezy Bakery celebrates five challenging years

On April 9, the fifth anniversary of the Breezy Bakery’s opening, owner Bri Suzano expressed gratitude on a Facebook post for being able to do what she loves. But she also reflected on the serious ch…
April 15, 2026
By Leslie Lake

Pines Trailer Park homeowner receives notice of abandonment

The Pines Trailer Park mobile home that Rob Bolash has owned for 22 years remains furnished and occupied, and he continues to mail his monthly lot rent checks. Yet, he was recently served with a “Not…
April 11, 2026
By Leslie Lake

Commission discusses future of Tingley Library

BRADENTON BEACH – When discussing the future of the Tingley Memorial Library, city commissioners expressed opposing, and sometimes contentious, views about the continued use of the city-owned library…
April 7, 2026
By Leslie Lake

FDEP and city investigating relocation of beach rocks

FDEP and city staff are investigating the recent relocation of several large beach rocks.
April 7, 2026
By Leslie Lake

Patio and fence installed at Salt Bar & Table without permits

A concrete patio overlay and a fence were installed at the rear of Salt Bar & Table restaurant property without the required permits, according to the city’s building department.