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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 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…
December 13, 2023
By Leslie Lake
Bradenton Beach logo

CRA funding cut for Old Town Tram

BRADENTON BEACH – If the Old Town Tram continues providing rides within the city, it will do so without the financial support of the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA). At its Dec. 6 meeting, the…
December 13, 2023
By Leslie Lake
Mayor: Don’t break up the team

Mayor: Don’t break up the team

BRADENTON BEACH – Characterizing the possible consolidation of the three island cities as “breaking up the team,” Mayor John Chappie spoke out against consolidation efforts at a Dec. 6 Community Rede…
December 12, 2023
By Leslie Lake
Bridge Street hotel project approved unanimously

Bridge Street hotel project approved unanimously

BRADENTON BEACH – The proposed hotel/restaurant/retail project on Bridge Street is a go, with 106 rooms, a 60-seat restaurant, 5,396 square feet of retail space and 154 on-site parking spaces. At th…
December 5, 2023
By Leslie Lake
Sparkling boats draw crowds to Christmas on Bridge Street

Sparkling boats draw crowds to Christmas on Bridge Street

BRADENTON BEACH – Crowds lined the Bradenton Beach Pier early to get the best view of the Fifth Annual Holiday Boat Parade on Saturday. Once the sun went down, a line of boats decked out with flashi…
November 28, 2023
By Leslie Lake
Christmas on Bridge Street to spotlight holiday boat parade

Christmas on Bridge Street to spotlight holiday boat parade

BRADENTON BEACH – The fifth annual Christmas on Bridge Street on Saturday, Dec. 2 will include a holiday boat parade, live music and family-friendly activities. Beginning at 3 p.m., the Strolling Cr…
November 20, 2023
By Leslie Lake
P&Z members reverse public comment closure

P&Z members reverse public comment closure

BRADENTON BEACH – The Planning and Zoning Board unexpectedly reversed its decision to close the public comment session at its second public hearing on a 106-room hotel/restaurant/retail project on Br…