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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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October 6, 2026
By Leslie Lake

Bradenton Beach has a new police chief 

Lenard Diaz is now officially serving as the Bradenton Beach police chief.
October 6, 2026
By Leslie Lake

Cosby retires as Bradenton Beach police chief 

John Cosby’s last day as Bradenton Beach police chief was Sept. 30.
September 28, 2026
By Leslie Lake

New officer responds to past allegations

BRADENTON BEACH – Bradenton Beach’s newest police officer, Andrew Lyon, sat down with The Sun on Sept. 25 to discuss allegations stemming from his past tenure in Michigan with the East Lansing Police…
September 28, 2026
By Leslie Lake

Cortez stone crabber expecting a difficult season

One local stone crabber is preparing himself for a difficult season, due in part to the cost of fuel.
September 15, 2026
By Leslie Lake

Coquina Beach renourishment project underway

Dredging crews began work Sept. 9 on a project to restore a nearly mile-long stretch of Coquina Beach with sand that was lost during Hurricane Idalia in 2023.
September 8, 2026
By Leslie Lake

Coquina Beach added as new ferry stop

BRADENTON BEACH – Manatee County’s Gulf Islands Ferry service now offers a new ferry stop near Coquina Beach. The expanded ferry service now provides a connecting route between the Historic Bridge…
September 8, 2026
By Leslie Lake

Bradenton Beach Commission adopts 2026-27 budget

The city commission has adopted on first reading the city’s $7.33 million 2026-27 fiscal year budget.
September 8, 2026
By Leslie Lake

Bradenton Beach CRA budget approved on first reading

The Bradenton Beach CRA has approved on first reading its $2.77 million budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year.
September 8, 2026
By Leslie Lake

Bradenton Beach Commission amending short-term rental rules

City officials are making changes to the rules and regulations governing short-term vacation rentals, noise violations and the issuance of citations.
September 8, 2026
By Leslie Lake

Endless Summer Afterglow Party coming to Bridge Street

BRADENTON BEACH – Bridge Street will be limited to foot traffic only during the Sundown Get Down Endless Summer Afterglow Party taking place Saturday, Sept. 12, from 2 to 8 p.m. Bridge Street will…
September 8, 2026
By Leslie Lake

Bridge Street to be decked out for Halloween

In celebration of Halloween, several structures along Bridge Street will be decorated with skeletons during the month of October.
September 1, 2026
By Leslie Lake

Hearing will address potential SALT violations

Possible code violations at SALT Bar & Table restaurant will be the subject of an Oct. 27 special master hearing.
September 1, 2026
By Leslie Lake

CRA approves more utility line undergrounding

The city commission approved moving forward with the final phase of a project to underground utility lines in the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) district.
August 25, 2026
By Leslie Lake

City extends Bridge Street paid parking lot permit 

The Bradenton Beach Commission granted a one-year extension of a temporary use permit that allows a paid parking lot to operate at the west end of Bridge Street. 
August 25, 2026
By Leslie Lake

Bradenton Beach commission discusses possible cabana ordinance

The city commission considered an ordinance that would regulate beach cabana rental companies while discussing other recent violations on city beaches.