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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 30, 2025
By Leslie Lake
Cortez man dies in shooting at home

Cortez man dies in shooting at home

CORTEZ – Manatee County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) detectives are investigating a shooting incident that resulted in the death of 76-year-old Cortez resident Andrew “Drew” Douglas on Tuesday, July 29…
July 29, 2025
By Leslie Lake
Green turtles break 2023 AMI nesting record

Green turtles break 2023 AMI nesting record

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring is celebrat­ing green turtles breaking their 2023 record of 12 nests on Anna Maria Island. “We now have 13 green turtle ne…
July 29, 2025
By Leslie Lake
Public provides input on Cortez Marina’s future

Public provides input on Cortez Marina’s future

BRADENTON – Manatee County residents expressed their preferences for the future of Cortez Marina at the first of five public workshops at the Bridge Church on July 24. The workshop, held in an open…
July 29, 2025
By Leslie Lake
Hurricane recovery grants available for fishing captains, guides

Hurricane recovery grants available for fishing captains, guides

In response to the impact of Hurricanes Helene and Milton to the local recreational fishing industry, Suncoast Waterkeeper and Tampa Bay Waterkeeper have launched grants of up to $1,000 to help cover…
July 25, 2025
By Leslie Lake
Douglas Naeher held without bond on attempted murder charge

Naeher held without bond on attempted murder charge

Updated July 27 at 1 p.m. BRADENTON – Holmes Beach resident Douglas Naeher, charged in the July 20 attempted murder of his wife, Stephanie Naeher, was ordered to be held without bond by 12th Judicia…
July 22, 2025
By Leslie Lake
Commissioners approve easement agreement for Drift-In

Commissioners approve easement agreement for Drift-In

BRADENTON BEACH – City commissioners unanimously approved an amended easement agreement regarding the Drift-In property at a July 17 meeting. The Drift-In had been operat­ing under its temporary use…
July 22, 2025
By Leslie Lake
Hurricane-damaged homes set for demolition

Hurricane-damaged homes set for demolition

BRADENTON BEACH – So far, 33 hurricane-damaged homes have been demolished citywide since the 2024 hurricanes, two are permitted for demolition and building officials are now focusing on the removal o…
July 21, 2025
By Leslie Lake
Beach cabana rentals under scrutiny

Beach cabana rentals under scrutiny

BRADENTON BEACH – City commissioners held their second discussion about commercial beach cabanas on July 17 and will consider the issue again in a special work meeting to be scheduled. In response t…
July 21, 2025
By Leslie Lake
Holmes Beach residents oppose fee hikes

Holmes Beach residents oppose fee hikes

HOLMES BEACH – Opposition to increases in stormwater fees and millage were top of mind for more than 50 city residents who made their feelings known to Commissioner Dan Diggins at a July 15 town hall…
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…