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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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February 17, 2025
By Leslie Lake
Fishing Festival proves ‘Swamped, but never sunk’

Fishing Festival proves ‘Swamped, but never sunk’

CORTEZ – For the first time in the five months since a hurricane swamped the area, people were once again smiling and enjoying the camaraderie of their friends and neighbors at the 43rd Annual Cortez…
February 15, 2025
By Leslie Lake

Slicker’s Eatery reopens following storm damage

CORTEZ – The doors to Slicker’s Eatery, 12012 Cortez Road W., reopened 128 days after the flooding from Hurricane Helene swamped the restaurant. “It feels tremendous to be open,” Slicker said. “We’r…
February 10, 2025
By Leslie Lake
Public speaks out in favor of Drift-In reopening

Public speaks out in favor of Drift-In reopening

BRADENTON BEACH – Despite approval for the tiki hut construction at the Drift-In by recently-terminated Building Official Darin Cushing, the city has put the project on hold and determined that a maj…
February 10, 2025
By Leslie Lake
Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival this weekend

Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival this weekend

CORTEZ – The two-day 43rd Annual Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival will bring local seafood, live music, local art and educational talks to the historic fishing village this weekend from 10 a.m. to…
February 10, 2025
By Leslie Lake
FEMA review may jeopardize flood insurance, buildings

FEMA review may jeopardize flood insurance, buildings

BRADENTON BEACH – The city’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) insurance rate discounts, the ability to obtain flood insurance, and even some buildings may be in jeopardy after FEMA reviews the…
January 31, 2025
By Leslie Lake

Commissioners discuss restructuring building department

BRADENTON BEACH – The city commission conducted a work meeting on Jan. 28 to focus on restructuring the building department and the challenges the city faces in finding a permanent replacement for re…
January 29, 2025
By Leslie Lake
County staff inspects Annie's Bait and Tackle

County staff inspects Annie’s Bait and Tackle

CORTEZ – Just one day after the Manatee County Board of Commissioners’ Jan. 28 vote to direct staff to explore ways to bring the hurricane-damaged Annie’s Bait and Tackle up to code, a contingent of…
January 29, 2025
By Leslie Lake

County to review Annie’s rebuild

BRADENTON – Following a strong showing of public support for the continued existence of Annie’s Bait and Tackle at a Jan. 28 Manatee County Commission meeting, coupled with the insistence of County C…
January 27, 2025
By Leslie Lake
Wildlife signs installed at Chappie Park

Wildlife signs installed at Chappie Park

BRADENTON BEACH – The city’s Scenic Waves Partnership Committee held a ribbon-cutting on Jan. 24 to showcase the first installation of “Wildlife of Anna Maria Island” signs on the Bradenton Beach Sce…
January 27, 2025
By Leslie Lake
City attorney explains Cushing suspension

City attorney explains Cushing suspension

BRADENTON BEACH – In a Jan. 24 letter, City Attorney Ricinda Perry outlined the city’s reasons for the Jan. 21 suspension of Building Official Darin Cushing and is asking his employer to provide a re…
January 27, 2025
By Leslie Lake
Pines owners offer to sell to homeowners for $75 million

Pines owners offer to sell to homeowners for $75 million

BRADENTON BEACH – In a Jan. 27 letter to the Pines Trailer Park Homeowners Association (HOA), Pines Park Investors LLC offered to sell the mobile home park to the residents for $75 million. At that…
January 23, 2025
By Leslie Lake
Bradenton Beach building official temporarily suspended

Bradenton Beach building official suspended pending hearing

Mayor John Chappie clarified his comments to The Sun on Jan. 24 that Cushing is temporarily suspended, not temporarily terminated as originally reported.   BRADENTON BEACH – The city temporari…
January 21, 2025
By Leslie Lake
Major development hearing required for Drift-In tiki

Major development hearing required for Drift-In tiki

BRADENTON BEACH – The construction of the tiki hut at the Drift-In is on hold pending further review by the city. City Attorney Ricinda Perry said at a Jan. 16 city commission meeting that a permit…
January 21, 2025
By Leslie Lake
Owners may ask for rezoning of Pines

Owners may ask for rezoning of Pines

BRADENTON BEACH – While Pines Park Investors LLC has not disclosed plans for its recently-closed Pines Trailer Park, City Attorney Ricinda Perry shed some light on a scenario that could include a rez…
January 21, 2025
By Leslie Lake
City reviewing planned changes to Bradenton Beach Marina

City reviewing planned changes to Bradenton Beach Marina

BRADENTON BEACH – A plan to replace dry storage and boat repairs with restaurants and retail at the Bradenton Beach Marina was discussed at a Jan. 16 Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) meeting. “T…