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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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January 28, 2026
By Leslie Lake

Friends of the Pelicans founder outlines hazards to brown pelicans

HOLMES BEACH – More than 70 people attended a Jan. 22 presentation by Friends of the Pelicans Inc. founder Jeanette Edwards. The presentation was given at the Island Branch Library and those who a…
January 27, 2026
By Leslie Lake

StayTerra Vacations files lawsuit against Kiri Stewart, Magnolia Cottages 

StayTerra Vacations filed a multi-million dollar lawsuit against Kiri Stewart and her Magnolia Cottages LLC.
January 27, 2026
By Leslie Lake

Lawmakers react to proposed cruise ship terminal 

 MANATEE COUNTY – State and local lawmakers reacted to the proposed development of a cruise ship terminal in northwest Manatee County on the Knott-Cowen tract of land located north of Rattlesnak…
January 22, 2026
By Leslie Lake

Commission discusses Ward 4 vacancy

City commissioners discussed filling the vacant Ward 4 city commission seat, but the lone applicant, Robert Talham, didn’t attend the meeting. 
January 22, 2026
By Leslie Lake

Beach Shop owners express hope and gratitude

An early January Facebook post by the owners of The Beach Shop announcing the possibility of the store’s closure brought an outpouring of community support and hope for the future.
January 21, 2026
By Leslie Lake

City facing challenges with FEMA reimbursements

Bradenton Beach Chief John Cosby outlined the challenges the city faces with approximately $500,000 in hurricane-related FEMA reimbursements.
January 20, 2026
By Leslie Lake
Cruise ship port proposed and opposed near Rattlesnake Key

Cruise ship port proposed and opposed near Rattlesnake Key 

Slip Knott LLC and cruise ship terminal operator SSA Marine are exploring the development of a cruise ship port in northwest Manatee County. 
January 13, 2026
By Leslie Lake
Planning board discusses Bungalow Beach parking restrictions

Planning board discusses Bungalow Beach hotel parking restrictions

BRADENTON BEACH – After much discussion about allowable parking uses at the Bungalow Beach Resort, the planning and zoning board, on Jan. 7, recommended approval of a major development application fo…
January 13, 2026
By Leslie Lake
Bungalow Beach Resort owner objects to parking stipulations

Bungalow Beach Resort owner objects to parking stipulations

BRADENTON BEACH – Bungalow Beach Resort owner Gayle Luper emailed City Planner Luis Serna to register a protest against the parking stipulations he recommended to the planning and zoning board.  On…
January 6, 2026
By Leslie Lake
Bungalow Beach pursuing major development plan

Bungalow Beach pursuing major development plan

BRADENTON BEACH – A planning and zoning board public hearing to consider a major development plan for the Bungalow Beach Resort property at 2000 and 2104 Gulf Drive will be held Wednesday, Jan. 7, at…
January 6, 2026
By Leslie Lake
Mullet fishermen reporting a good season

Mullet fishermen reporting a good season

CORTEZ – Fish house employees and fishermen are calling this mullet season one of the best in recent memory as Cortez fish houses are filling up with mullet brought in by private fishermen.  Two of…
January 6, 2026
By Leslie Lake
Taking the plunge at the Shamrock Shiver

Taking the plunge at the Shamrock Shiver

BRADENTON BEACH – The spirit of altruism won out over the cold Gulf waters as dozens of participants took the plunge in the annual Clancy’s Irish Pub’s Shamrock Shiver charity event on New Years Day…
January 2, 2026
By Leslie Lake
Derelict boats concern Palma Sola Bay residents and boaters

Derelict boats concern Palma Sola Bay residents and boaters

PALMA SOLA BAY – As captain of Anne’s Calmwater Charters, Anne Huber enjoys sharing her knowledge about manatees, dolphins and the local waters, but there is one question she’s often asked that’s di…
January 1, 2026
By Leslie Lake
Cortez: The Year in Review

Cortez: The Year in Review

CORTEZ – The future of the Manatee County-owned Seafood Shack parcel remains to be seen but progress is being made on the 98-acre FISH Preserve in Cortez. FISH Preserve The 2024 hurricanes took thei…
December 30, 2025
By Leslie Lake
Bradenton Beach: The Year in Review

Bradenton Beach: The Year in Review

BRADENTON BEACH – Hurricane recovery, city staff changes and Pines Trailer Park’s existence marked 2025 in Bradenton Beach. Pines Pines Trailer Park residents received city approval to repair their h…

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