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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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July 21, 2025
By Leslie Lake
No property tax increase in Bradenton Beach budget

No property tax increase in Bradenton Beach budget

BRADENTON BEACH – City com­missioners held a work meeting on July 15 to hold preliminary discussions about the upcoming 2025-26 budget. According to the numbers presented at the meeting, total city…
July 15, 2025
By Leslie Lake

Bradenton Beach businesses, residents to see increased fees

BRADENTON BEACH – To offset a budget shortfall of $350,000 from post-hurricane tax exemptions, city commissioners have voted to add revenue sources that include increases to short-term rental license…
July 15, 2025
By Leslie Lake

Bradenton Beach commissioners consider beach cabanas

BRADENTON BEACH – Following city commissioners’ discussion on July 10 about commercial beach cabana companies doing business on public beaches, commissioners asked City Attorney Ricinda Perry to look…
July 7, 2025
By Leslie Lake
Bradenton Boiler Room re-opens

Bradenton Boiler Room re-opens

BRADENTON – The cheesesteaks were sizzling on the grills once again as the long-awaited Bradenton Boiler Room opened its doors on July 2. Under new ownership and with a new name, the former Boiler R…
July 7, 2025
By Leslie Lake
Pines Trailer Park residents remain in dark about park

Pines Trailer Park residents remain in dark about park

BRADENTON BEACH – Pines Trailer Park homeowners are expressing frustration about the lack of communication as a possible park closure date looms on July 31. A Feb. 4 email to homeowners from Fort La…
July 7, 2025
By Leslie Lake
First turtle nests hatch on AMI

First turtle nests hatch on AMI

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Sea turtle hatchling season has officially begun with two nests laid on the Island that hatched on July 3. “Both were good hatches that appeared to go directly to the water,” Ann…
July 1, 2025
By Leslie Lake
Pines, Bridge Street parking lots reviewed by building official

Pines, Bridge Street parking lots reviewed by building official

BRADENTON BEACH – Tasked by city commissioners in May to conduct a code compliance review of the parking lot at 205 First St. N. historically used by Pines Trailer Park residents and the 101 Bridge S…
July 1, 2025
By Leslie Lake
Island police prepare for July Fourth weekend crowds

Island police prepare for July Fourth weekend crowds

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Local police departments are gearing up for the long holiday weekend with increased presence and reminders to visitors about parking, fireworks and alcohol restrictions. All hand…
July 1, 2025
By Leslie Lake
New law in effect to reduce derelict vessels

New law in effect to reduce derelict vessels

TALLAHASSEE – New legislation effective statewide on July 1 is designed to help reduce the number of at-risk and derelict vessels across the state and improve enforcement tools for Florida Fish and W…
June 24, 2025
By Leslie Lake
County, city officials discuss traffic management

County, city officials discuss traffic management

BRADENTON BEACH – Manatee County and Bradenton Beach officials discussed lengthening the eastbound merge lane on Cortez Road to improve traffic flow at the intersection of Cortez Road and Gulf Drive…
June 23, 2025
By Leslie Lake
Manatee County, Bradenton Beach officials discuss ferry options

Manatee County, Bradenton Beach officials discuss ferry options

BRADENTON BEACH – The future Cortez Marina at the site of the former Seafood Shack restaurant is expected to become an integral part of Manatee County’s Gulf Islands Ferry system. County commissione…
June 23, 2025
By Leslie Lake
Winnie released at Coquina Beach

Winnie released at Coquina Beach

BRADENTON BEACH – Hundreds of onlookers gathered at Coquina Beach on Monday morning for a scheduled loggerhead sea turtle release. The turtle, Winnie, did not disappoint as she made her way to the w…
June 17, 2025
By Leslie Lake
92-year-old Pines resident talks about eviction

92-year-old Pines resident talks about eviction

BRADENTON BEACH – Rained-soaked eviction notices taped to trailers and littering the ground at the Pines Trailer Park, along with screws driven into some front doors to prevent entry, have effectivel…
June 17, 2025
By Leslie Lake
Bradenton Beach commissioners discuss beach hole ordinance

Bradenton Beach commissioners discuss beach hole ordinance

BRADENTON BEACH – City com­missioners discussed the current city ordinance prohibiting the digging of holes on public beaches at the June 5 meeting. “This was brought up by (Manatee County Natural R…
June 17, 2025
By Leslie Lake
Pines Trailer Park post-Helene timeline

Pines Trailer Park post-Helene timeline

BRADENTON BEACH – Here is a timeline of events that have transpired at the Pines Trailer Park since Hurricane Helene struck last fall. 2024 On Sept. 26, storm surge from Hurricane Helene caused w…