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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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September 19, 2023
By Leslie Lake
Bioluminescence dazzles AMI beachgoers

Bioluminescence dazzles AMI beachgoers

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The bioluminescent glow coming off the water in recent nights may be related to the aftermath of Hurricane Idalia, according to one local expert. “This could be related to the nu…
September 19, 2023
By Leslie Lake
Idalia erodes Island beaches

Idalia erodes Island beaches

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Hurricane Idalia’s storm surge eroded the Island’s renourished beaches, but the full extent of the damage and when it will be repaired is not yet known. “It could be months befor…
September 19, 2023
By Leslie Lake
Investigation continues into SeaPort Manatee oil spill

Investigation continues into SeaPort Manatee oil spill

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Hurricane Idalia’s storm surge eroded the Island’s renourished beaches, but the full extent of the damage and when it will be repaired is not yet known. “It could be months befor…
September 19, 2023
By Leslie Lake
County changes historical property oversight

County changes historical property oversight

CORTEZ – A proposal to shift the oversight of historical properties from the Manatee County Clerk’s Office to the Sports and Leisure Division was contested by those in the historical community at a S…
September 19, 2023
By Leslie Lake
Tingley Memorial Library

Tingley library elevating for parking spaces

BRADENTON BEACH – The creation of needed public parking by elevating or moving the Tingley Library was discussed at both the city commission and Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) meetings. The…
September 18, 2023
By Leslie Lake
Flamingos flock to Florida during hurricane

Flamingos flock to Florida during hurricane

TAMPA BAY – Hurricane Idalia’s Category 3 landfall in late August brought rain, wind and – surprisingly – flamingos to Florida. American flamingos were commonly seen in Florida until about 1900 unti…
September 17, 2023
By Leslie Lake
FISH board sees aerial video of preserve

FISH board sees aerial video of preserve

CORTEZ – As the improvements to the FISH (Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage) Preserve are progressing, a discussion about the environment was fitting at the monthly FISH board meeting. The 98…
September 12, 2023
By Leslie Lake
Funding for Old Town Trams extended

Funding for Old Town Trams extended

BRADENTON BEACH – The Old Town Trams may be rolling just a little bit longer. The Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) voted at its Aug. 15 meeting to remove the $52,000 subsidization for the free r…
September 12, 2023
By Leslie Lake
Commission approves funds to repair hurricane damage to pier

Commission approves funds to repair hurricane damage to pier

BRADENTON BEACH – Damage to the Bradenton Beach Pier and floating docks caused by boats during Hurricane Idalia on Aug. 30 was the focus of the Sept. 7 city commission meeting. Images of the damage…
September 12, 2023
By Leslie Lake

Oil spill investigation, cleanup continues at SeaPort Manatee

PALMETTO – The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) continues to investigate the source of an Aug. 31 oil spill at SeaPort Manatee. As of Sept. 8, the Coast Guard reported about 19,000 gallons of an oil/water mi…
September 4, 2023
By Leslie Lake
Water main repair on bridge postponed

Water main repair on bridge postponed

MANATEE COUNTY – Due to delays in receiving materials, work to repair and relocate a water main along the Anna Maria Island Bridge on Manatee Avenue is being postponed until late September or October…
September 4, 2023
By Leslie Lake
Cortez cleans up minor damage after Hurricane Idalia

Cortez fishing village inundated by Hurricane Idalia

CORTEZ – As residents and business owners cleaned up on Thursday morning following the storm surge from Hurricane Idalia that flooded local roads, the recurring consensus was: “We got lucky.”…
September 1, 2023
By Leslie Lake
Oil spill at SeaPort Manatee under investigation

Oil spill at SeaPort Manatee under investigation

MANATEE COUNTY – The U.S. Coast Guard is investigating the source of an oil spill at SeaPort Manatee on Aug. 31. SeaPort Manatee is a Manatee County-owned port located on Tampa Bay in northern Man…
September 1, 2023
By Leslie Lake
Water main repairs to resume Sept. 6

Water main repairs to resume Sept. 6

HOLMES BEACH – As work resumes to repair and relocate a water main on the Anna Maria Island Bridge, lane closures and periods of one-way traffic will begin on Sept. 6. Daily lane closures can be exp…
August 28, 2023
By Leslie Lake
Bradenton Beach declares state of emergency

Bradenton Beach declares state of emergency

BRADENTON BEACH – In advance of Tropical Storm Idalia, which is forecast to potentially make landfall as a major hurricane on Florida’s west coast, city commissioners voted unanimously on Aug. 28 to…