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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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August 18, 2026
By Leslie Lake

Great-grandson’s mural pays tribute to Sports Lounge’s Chicago roots

Camden Hammacker, painting a large mural of four Chicago sports stars on the Sports Lounge building.
August 18, 2026
By Leslie Lake

Turtle Watch reports fatal hatchling disorientations

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Fifty-five loggerhead sea turtle hatchlings were found dead on Gulf Drive on Wednesday night, Aug. 12. The following day, the Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monit…
August 11, 2026
By Leslie Lake

Pines Trailer Park, Bridge Street redevelopment plans presented 

Representatives of the Pines Park Investors LLC ownership group introduced their proposed conceptual plan to redevelop the Pines Trailer Park property at the east end of Bridge Street. 
August 11, 2026
By Leslie Lake

Online commenters weigh in on Pines, Bridge Street redevelopment plans 

BRADENTON BEACH – The Pines Trailer Park redevelopment plans included in the Pines Park Investors ownership group “Bridge Street Pier District” redevelopment project generated a great deal of social…
August 11, 2026
By Leslie Lake

Commission rejects proposed valet parking ordinance

The Bradenton Beach Commission wants the current parking regulations enforced.
August 11, 2026
By Leslie Lake

Smiles and hugs on the first day of school 

HOLMES BEACH – There were hugs, smiles and some tears shed as students began their first day of the 2026-27 school year at Anna Maria Elementary School on Monday, Aug. 10.  Students and their…
August 11, 2026
By Leslie Lake

Shorebird nesting season coming to a close

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The shorebird nesting season is ending on Anna Maria Island. The season began in May as more than 120 black skimmers and 80 least terns were observed sitting on an unusually hi…
August 3, 2026
By Leslie Lake

Pines Trailer Park owners to reveal new concept 

The Pines Trailer Park ownership will present its redevelopment concept the city commmission on Thursday, Aug. 6, at 6 p.m.
August 3, 2026
By Leslie Lake

Bradenton officials to review causeway regulations

BRADENTON – The city of Bradenton plans to review its existing regulations pertaining to vendors operating along the Palma Sola Causeway. The Palma Sola Causeway is part of the Florida Department…
August 3, 2026
By Leslie Lake

Bradenton Beach plans to maintain current millage rate

BRADENTON BEACH – In what Mayor John Chappie characterized as a “lean working budget proposal,” with a focus toward rebuilding the city’s reserve fund, the city commission members and city staff disc…
August 3, 2026
By Leslie Lake

New mural at Anna Maria Elementary

HOLMES BEACH – Students returning to the Anna Maria Elementary School (AME) on Aug. 10 will receive a surprise greeting in the form of a 25-foot mural featuring a surfing dolphin, a sunglass-wearing…
July 28, 2026
By Leslie Lake

Bradenton Beach Commission discusses short-term vacation rental occupancy

BRADENTON BEACH – The mayor and city commissioners agree that short-term vacation rental occupancy limits should be tied to the number of bedrooms and a two-plus-two occupancy limit that allows two o…
July 28, 2026
By Leslie Lake

Center’s summer campers learn skimboarding

ANNA MARIA – A group of youngsters at The Center of Anna Maria Island’s summer camp literally got their feet wet when learning the art of skimboarding. Skimboarding is one of a variety of specialt…
July 28, 2026
By Leslie Lake

Izzy’s Place closes after less than five months 

CORTEZ – Tom Theophilopoulos closed the doors to Izzy’s Place diner less than five months after opening due to what he described as bad timing. “Once the snowbirds went home, business dropped thro…
July 24, 2026
By Leslie Lake

Tropical Storm Bertha impacted 189 turtle nests

Heavy surf from the Gulf and strong winds from Tropical Storm Bertha impacted 189 sea turtle nests on Anna Maria Island.