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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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August 3, 2026
By Leslie Lake

Pines Trailer Park owners to reveal new concept 

The Pines Trailer Park ownership will present its redevelopment concept the city commmission on Thursday, Aug. 6, at 6 p.m.
August 3, 2026
By Leslie Lake

Bradenton officials to review causeway regulations

BRADENTON – The city of Bradenton plans to review its existing regulations pertaining to vendors operating along the Palma Sola Causeway. The Palma Sola Causeway is part of the Florida Department…
August 3, 2026
By Leslie Lake

Bradenton Beach plans to maintain current millage rate

BRADENTON BEACH – In what Mayor John Chappie characterized as a “lean working budget proposal,” with a focus toward rebuilding the city’s reserve fund, the city commission members and city staff disc…
August 3, 2026
By Leslie Lake

New mural at Anna Maria Elementary

HOLMES BEACH – Students returning to the Anna Maria Elementary School (AME) on Aug. 10 will receive a surprise greeting in the form of a 25-foot mural featuring a surfing dolphin, a sunglass-wearing…
July 28, 2026
By Leslie Lake

Bradenton Beach Commission discusses short-term vacation rental occupancy

BRADENTON BEACH – The mayor and city commissioners agree that short-term vacation rental occupancy limits should be tied to the number of bedrooms and a two-plus-two occupancy limit that allows two o…
July 28, 2026
By Leslie Lake

Center’s summer campers learn skimboarding

ANNA MARIA – A group of youngsters at The Center of Anna Maria Island’s summer camp literally got their feet wet when learning the art of skimboarding. Skimboarding is one of a variety of specialt…
July 28, 2026
By Leslie Lake

Izzy’s Place closes after less than five months 

CORTEZ – Tom Theophilopoulos closed the doors to Izzy’s Place diner less than five months after opening due to what he described as bad timing. “Once the snowbirds went home, business dropped thro…
July 24, 2026
By Leslie Lake

Tropical Storm Bertha impacted 189 turtle nests

Heavy surf from the Gulf and strong winds from Tropical Storm Bertha impacted 189 sea turtle nests on Anna Maria Island.
July 21, 2026
By Leslie Lake

Lenard Diaz appointed next Bradenton Beach police chief

BRADENTON BEACH – Lt. Lenard Diaz will serve as Bradenton Beach’s next police chief.  On July 16, the city commission unanimously supported Mayor John Chappie’s nomination for Diaz to serve as pol…
July 21, 2026
By Leslie Lake

Bradenton Beach stormwater fee increased 

Bradenton Beach property owners will see their annual stormwater fee assessments increase from $4.40 to $8 per 100 square feet of property when the new fiscal year begins on Oct. 1. 
July 21, 2026
By Leslie Lake

StayTerra files amended lawsuit complaints

BRADENTON – StayTerra Vacations has amended the lawsuit complaints originally filed in late 2025 and recently dismissed by Circuit Court Judge Charles Sniffen on June 18. The original and amended…
July 21, 2026
By Leslie Lake

Moose lodge donates $10,000 to police department

Anna Maria Island Moose Lodge 2188 gave the city a $10,000 donation to purchase eight mini ballistic shields for the city’s police officers.
July 21, 2026
By Leslie Lake

Where’s Krysta

As of Sunday, July 19, Krysta, a female loggerhead sea turtle, had traveled 369 miles since she was satellite-tagged and released on June 29 after nesting on Coquina Beach. She will participate in th…
July 15, 2026
By Leslie Lake

Causeway watercraft rentals remain a concern

The Palma Sola Causeway is part of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT)-designated scenic highway that stretches from 75th Street W. and Manatee Avenue in Bradenton to Manatee Beach in Hol…
July 15, 2026
By Leslie Lake

FISH board discusses Seafood Shack property plans 

Discussions about the future of Cortez were at the forefront of the July 6 Florida Institute of Saltwater Heritage (FISH) meeting, with non-board members also participating.