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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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December 22, 2025
By Leslie Lake

Commissioners consider park at Seafood Shack site

BRADENTON – Citing strong opposition from Cortez residents along with lack of funding to complete a proposed boat ramp, Manatee County commissioners floated the idea of making the Seafood Shack site…
December 16, 2025
By Leslie Lake
Leffis Key Preserve remains closed pending FEMA review

Leffis Key Preserve remains closed pending FEMA review

BRADENTON BEACH – Manatee County’s Leffis Key Preserve remains closed following damage from the 2024 hurricanes and a county spokesperson said the timeline for reopening is dependent on an ongoing re…
December 16, 2025
By Leslie Lake

Cortez residents form coalition to oppose boat ramps at Shack

CORTEZ – A group of Cortez residents has mobilized in opposition to the proposed boat ramps at the former Seafood Shack property. The group, Cortez Concerned Citizens Coalition (CCCC) represents 327…
December 2, 2025
By Leslie Lake
Mounds of debris remain as hurricane approaches

Hurricane recovery assistance meeting next week

CORTEZ – A community meeting for residents to learn about Manatee County’s post-hurricane recovery assistance program, Lasting Manatee, is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 10 from 6-7 p.m. at the Old Co…
November 25, 2025
By Leslie Lake
November 18, 2025
By Leslie Lake

Cortez remembers those who served during Veterans Day tribute

CORTEZ – Cortezians have a long history of serving in the military and that service was recognized during a Veterans Day commemoration on Nov. 10 at the Cortez Cultural Center. Members of the Cortez…
November 18, 2025
By Leslie Lake

Suncoast Waterkeeper director has concerns about Palma Sola Bay water quality

BRADENTON – Dr. Abbey Tyrna, executive director of Suncoast Waterkeeper (SCWK), spoke to the Palma Sola Scenic Highway committee on Nov. 12 about the water quality in Palma Sola Bay. Tyrna presented…
November 11, 2025
By Leslie Lake
Volunteers, vendor applications available for Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival

Volunteer, vendor applications available for 2026 Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival

CORTEZ – Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage (FISH) board members are planning the 2026 Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival and are seeking vendors and volunteers. The festival planning committe…
November 11, 2025
By Leslie Lake
Fred Bartizal named as P&Z chair

Bartizal chosen as Planning and Zoning chair

BRADENTON BEACH – Fred Bartizal was chosen as the new chairman of the Planning and Zoning Board at the board’s Nov. 5 meeting. Bartizal, owner of the Bridge Tender Inn, succeeded former chair Bill M…
November 11, 2025
By Leslie Lake
The Building Official outlined multiple items to be prioritized and addressed

Building official updates P&Z board on priorities

BRADENTON BEACH – At the request of the Planning and Zoning Board, Building Official Bill Palmer updated the board on building depart­ment activities and outlined multiple items to be prioritized and…
November 4, 2025
By Leslie Lake

Roser Food Pantry seeking volunteers, donations

ANNA MARIA – The need for services at the Roser Food Pantry often outpaces its capacity to help, according to staff, but that gap is expected to widen as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SN…
November 4, 2025
By Leslie Lake

Katz named new Tingley librarian

BRADENTON BEACH – As the new librarian at the Tingley Memorial Library, Stephanie Katz is focused on initiatives to bring people back into the library. “I definitely want to bring our bread-and-butt…
November 1, 2025
By Leslie Lake

Where’s Winnie?

Winnie, a female loggerhead sea turtle, came in tenth place in a field of 12 turtles in the Sea Turtle Conservancy’s Tour de Turtles Race that began on Aug. 1. She traveled 458 miles in the Gulf of M…
October 29, 2025
By Leslie Lake
CRA may need separate attorney

CRA may need separate attorney

BRADENTON BEACH – Com­munity Redevelopment Agency (CRA) members discussed hiring a separate CRA attorney at an Oct. 20 meeting after learning that the city could be out of compliance with statutory r…
October 29, 2025
By Leslie Lake
Bridge Tender Inn hosts Halloween party

Bridge Tender Inn hosts Halloween party

BRADENTON BEACH – The 2024 hurricanes may have taken the animatronic figures, the bubble machine and the hearse that the Bridge Tender Inn was known for at Halloween, but the party will still go on t…

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