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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 16, 2024
By Leslie Lake
Boat operator cited for running illegal service

Boat operator cited for running illegal service

CORTEZ – A U.S. Coast Guard Station Cortez law enforcement crew cited what they said was an illegal uninspected small passenger vessel-for-hire operating on Anna Maria Sound on Jan. 3. According to…
January 9, 2024
By Leslie Lake
Cortez Kitchen to reopen Jan. 14

Cortez Kitchen to reopen Jan. 14

CORTEZ –The grand reopening of the Cortez Kitchen, 4528 119th St. W., is scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 14. The newly-remodeled restaurant and bar is an upgraded version of its former self, featuring a…
January 9, 2024
By Leslie Lake
Mangrove removal investigated, paused

Mangrove removal investigated, paused

Recent mangrove removal at 111 Gull Drive in Anna Maria, above, appears to comply with a Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) permit exemption allowing a 116-foot seawall to be built…
January 9, 2024
By Leslie Lake
Bradenton Beach logo

Commissioners decide against allowing houseboat vacation rental

BRADENTON BEACH – During their Jan. 4 meeting, commissioners denied a request from a resident to allow a houseboat vacation rental at his dock. They also approved three police vehicle purchases, app…
January 9, 2024
By Leslie Lake
Commission discusses redistricting, vacancy

Commissioners discuss redistricting, commission vacancy

BRADENTON BEACH – Following the vacancy left by the Dec. 28 resignation of Commissioner Jake Spooner, city commissioners discussed the course of action to fill his position at a Jan. 4 meeting. The…
January 5, 2024
By Leslie Lake

Shamrock Shiver raises funds for local charities

BRADENTON BEACH – In a charitable kickoff to the new year, more than 100 people gathered at Cortez Beach and jumped into the Gulf of Mexico’s 61-degree waters on Jan. 1 at noon for the Shamrock Shive…
January 1, 2024
By Leslie Lake
Demolition in progress at proposed hotel site

Demolition in progress at proposed hotel site

BRADENTON BEACH – Shortly after the Dec. 7 city commission approval of a 106-room resort hotel/restaurant/retail complex on the corner of Bridge Street and Gulf Drive South, demolition began on the f…
January 1, 2024
By Leslie Lake
Mangroves removed before protective barrier installed

Mangroves removed before protective barrier installed

ANNA MARIA – More than three weeks after the removal of mangroves at 111 Gull Drive, a required protective water barrier was placed at the site, according to neighbors. The Florida Department of Env…
January 1, 2024
By Leslie Lake
Person of the Year: John Stevely

Person of the Year: John Stevely a force for nature

CORTEZ – Habitat preservation is thriving in Cortez due in large part to the commitment of the late John Stevely. A founding member of the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage (FISH) and an earl…
December 23, 2023
By Leslie Lake
Year in review: Environment

Year in review: Environment

MANGROVE VIOLATIONS In January, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection levied an $8,500 fine for improper mangrove trimming and debris removal activities that occurred at Carlos Beruff’s…
December 23, 2023
By Leslie Lake
Year in Review: Cortez

Year in Review: Cortez

CORTEZ COMMERCIAL FISHING FESTIVAL CELEBRATES VILLAGE The 41st Annual Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival took place on Feb. 18-19 in the historic fishing village. The festival, which celebrated 100…
December 23, 2023
By Leslie Lake
Year in Review: Bradenton Beach

Year in Review: Bradenton Beach

BRADENTON BEACH – The Pines Trailer Park and Bradenton Beach Marina sales and the approved hotel/restaurant/retail project on Bridge Street and Gulf Drive made the biggest headlines in the city in 20…
December 22, 2023
By Leslie Lake
Mangrove removal triggers scrutiny

Mangrove removal triggers scrutiny

ANNA MARIA – A company identified by Mayor Dan Murphy in a Dec. 18 email as the contractor at a residential construction site where mangroves were removed was not the responsible party, he told The S…
December 19, 2023
By Leslie Lake
New way to report mangrove violations

New way to report mangrove violations

SARASOTA – Environmental advocacy organization Suncoast Waterkeeper has a new program for citizens to report potential mangrove trimming violations. Altering mangroves without a permit and excessi…
December 19, 2023
By Leslie Lake
Spooner ethics complaint dismissed

Spooner ethics complaint dismissed

BRADENTON BEACH – An ethics complaint filed against Commissioner Jake Spooner has been dismissed. The complaint, filed with the Florida Commission on Ethics by Bradenton Beach resident Sue Longacre…