Skip to main content
Leslie Lake

Leslie Lake

July 11, 2022
Leslie Lake covers Bradenton Beach, Cortez, the environment and Anna Maria Elementary School.
Email Leslie Lake
January 29, 2024
By Leslie Lake

Captains for Clean Water invites community to join cause

ANNA MARIA – In an uphill battle against corporate interests to maintain healthy water quality, Capt. Chris Wittman said mobilized individuals can make a big difference. Wittman, co-founder of Capta…
January 29, 2024
By Leslie Lake

Manatee County makes strides in improving water quality

Manatee County – Local water quality is improving through the efforts of Manatee County environmental staff, according to the county’s Natural Resources Director Charlie Hunsicker. “Our people in wa…
January 29, 2024
By Leslie Lake
Magnolia Inn demolished for hotel project

Magnolia Inn demolished for hotel project

BRADENTON BEACH – The third of four buildings has come down to clear the way for a 106-room resort hotel/restaurant/retail complex at the corner of Bridge Street and Gulf Drive South. On Jan. 26, de…
January 23, 2024
By Leslie Lake
Commission approves ward redistricting

Commission approves ward redistricting

BRADENTON BEACH – Two residents have expressed interest in filling the vacancy left by the Dec. 28 resignation of City Commissioner Jake Spooner. Spooner, a commissioner since 2015 from Ward 1, resi…
January 23, 2024
By Leslie Lake
Bradenton Beach hires new building official

Bradenton Beach hires new building official

BRADENTON BEACH – A new building official has been hired following the Dec. 15 retirement of Steve Gilbert. Commissioners approved a contract for Darin Cushing on Jan. 18 as city building official f…
January 23, 2024
By Leslie Lake
Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival to celebrate 42 years

Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival to celebrate 42 years

CORTEZ – The Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage (FISH) is gearing up for the 42nd Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival. The first festival in 1981 drew just 500 people, but an average of 15,000…
January 23, 2024
By Leslie Lake
Cortez Cultural Center showcases 140 years of history

Cortez Cultural Center showcases 140 years of history

CORTEZ – While the charming white cottage with blue shutters on Cortez Road may seem somewhat nondescript to passersby, in reality it is chock full of artifacts and photos depicting the roots of the…
January 16, 2024
By Leslie Lake
FDEP: Mangrove removal requires additional approval

FDEP: Mangrove removal requires additional approval

ANNA MARIA – When contractors Mason Martin LLC removed 67 feet of mangroves at a canal-front home on Dec. 12, they did so without all of the required approval, according to the Florida Department of…
January 16, 2024
By Leslie Lake
Restaurant demolished to make way for hotel project

Restaurant demolished to make way for hotel project

BRADENTON BEACH – Demolition began Saturday on 101 Bridge St., the second of four buildings slated to be torn down to make way for a 106-room resort hotel/restaurant/retail project. Developer Shawn…
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…