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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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October 18, 2023
By Leslie Lake
First wastewater pond closed at Piney Point

First wastewater pond closed at Piney Point

PALMETTO – The environmentally unstable Piney Point phosphate processing site is moving towards closure with the completion of work on the first of four wastewater collection ponds, according to the…
October 10, 2023
By Leslie Lake
County commissioners vote to reduce wetland buffers

County commissioners vote to reduce wetland buffers

BRADENTON – Manatee County commissioners reduced wetland buffers in a 5-1 vote on Oct. 5, defaulting to the less restrictive state of Florida minimums from more restrictive county standards. Buffers…
October 10, 2023
By Leslie Lake
Expert to review ‘big red flag’ in zoning irregularities

Expert to review ‘big red flag’ in zoning irregularities

BRADENTON BEACH – In what City Attorney Ricinda Perry described as a “concerning situation” at an Oct. 5 city commission meeting, a city building official has determined that several properties in th…
October 10, 2023
By Leslie Lake
Coquina Beach Market reopens after more than a year

Coquina Beach Market reopens after more than a year

BRADENTON BEACH – Coquina Beach Market vendor Christine Barrett loves her new office. “Look at this,” she said. “My ‘office’ has the most beautiful view. What could be better than this?” Barrett, o…
October 3, 2023
By Leslie Lake

Coast Guard suspends investigation into oil spill

PALMETTO – Following testing of multiple potential sources, and with no responsible party identified, the U.S. Coast Guard suspended its investigation on Sept. 26 into the source of an oil spill at S…
October 3, 2023
By Leslie Lake

Vote could reduce wetlands protection

BRADENTON – In response to a preliminary Manatee County commission vote to reduce wetland buffers on Aug. 17, the environmental community is making it clear that scientific evidence backs up the impo…
October 2, 2023
By Leslie Lake
Public hearings scheduled on Bridge Street hotel

Public hearings scheduled on Bridge Street hotel

BRADENTON BEACH – In the first of what will be multiple public hearings about an application for a 106-unit resort hotel at the corner of Bridge Street and Gulf Drive, the city Planning and Zoning Bo…
September 26, 2023
By Leslie Lake
Commissioners approve funding to remove derelict boats

Commissioners approve funding to remove derelict boats

BRADENTON BEACH – City commissioners have passed a request from Bradenton Beach Police Chief John Cosby to approve funding for the removal of derelict boats at the city pier following Hurricane Idali…
September 26, 2023
By Leslie Lake
Turtle season slows to a crawl

Turtle season slows to a crawl

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The 2023 turtle nesting season is coming to an early end, partly due to Hurricane Idalia. “No changes in nest numbers,” Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch Executive Director Kristen…
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…