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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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July 31, 2023
By Leslie Lake
Dredging project underway on Greer Island

Dredging project underway on Greer Island

LONGBOAT KEY – A portion of the Greer Island beach will be closed through the beginning of September as a dredging project continues. According to the Town of Longboat Key’s Public Works Department…
July 18, 2023
By Leslie Lake
Turtle nests run over on AMI beaches

Turtle nests run over on AMI beaches

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – On a daily patrol last week, Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring volunteers were shocked and saddened to find multiple turtle nests that had been trampled on a…
July 17, 2023
By Leslie Lake
FWC cites three for alleged poaching

FWC cites three for alleged poaching

LONGBOAT KEY – The vigilance of three local charter captains has resulted in multiple citations against three men for the alleged poaching of marine life in local waters. Capt. Joey Sweet, of Sweet…
July 11, 2023
By Leslie Lake
Water main back in service

Water main back in service

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The water main that broke on the Manatee Avenue Bridge on June 19 is back in service, Manatee County officials say. As work ensued on the broken pipe, another pipe continued to…
July 11, 2023
By Leslie Lake
Holiday beachgoers disturb turtle nests

Holiday beachgoers disturb turtle nests

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring volunteers discovered that multiple sea turtle nests were disturbed over the Fourth of July holiday weekend. “I don’t th…
July 3, 2023
By Leslie Lake
Loggerhead sea turtle ‘Suzi’ released into race

Loggerhead sea turtle ‘Suzi’ released into race

BRADENTON BEACH – As hundreds of delighted onlookers gathered to see a publicized turtle release at Coquina Beach, loggerhead sea turtle “Suzi” made a grand entrance from the sand to the water. Sh…
June 26, 2023
By Leslie Lake
Department of Health issues a no-swim advisory for causeway beach

Department of Health issues a no-swim advisory for causeway beach

BRADENTON – Florida Department of Health in Manatee County (DOH-Manatee) has issued a no-swim advisory for the beach on the south side of the Palma Sola Causeway along Manatee Avenue. “A no-swim a…
June 26, 2023
By Leslie Lake
Piney Point contamination extends to Tarpon Springs

Piney Point contamination extends to Tarpon Springs

PALMETTO – A recent study shows the contaminated water from the 2021 Piney Point spill, which contributed to algae blooms and red tide in Tampa Bay waterways, traveled farther than originally thought…
June 26, 2023
By Leslie Lake
Fireworks pose danger to wildlife

Fireworks pose danger to wildlife

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – While it’s common knowledge that house pets are easily spooked by fireworks, local animal advocates remind people about the disruption to wildlife from loud and light-filled Fourt…
June 26, 2023
By Leslie Lake
Bradenton Beach officials discuss $4.3 million budget

Bradenton Beach officials discuss $4.3 million budget

BRADENTON BEACH – City commissioners and department heads met to hold the first of several discussions for the 2023-24 fiscal year budget. At the June 20 meeting, the proposed budget of $4,332,075…
June 12, 2023
By Leslie Lake
Avoid disturbing sea turtles, nests

Avoid disturbing sea turtles, nests

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – It’s been a good week for sea turtles as nest numbers continue to climb, according to Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring Executive Director Kristen Mazzarella…
June 12, 2023
By Leslie Lake
Environmental groups warn against releasing balloons

Environmental groups warn against releasing balloons

MANATEE COUNTY – What goes up must come down, but in the release of celebratory helium-filled balloons, it’s the coming down that creates problems. In addition to adding trash to the waters, defla…
June 5, 2023
By Leslie Lake
Loggerheads released after recovering from red tide

Loggerheads released after recovering from red tide

ANNA MARIA – In a cooperative effort between Mote Marine Laboratory and The Florida Aquarium, two loggerhead sea turtles were released at Bayfront Park on May 30 after months of care and rehabilitati…
June 5, 2023
By Leslie Lake
Permit parking only in effect

Permit parking only in effect

BRADENTON BEACH – As crews work their way down Gulf Drive South to complete the South Bradenton Beach Gravity System Relocation Project, temporary permit parking is now in effect to accommodate resid…
May 29, 2023
By Leslie Lake
Memorial Day, centennial celebrated

Memorial Day, centennial celebrated

ANNA MARIA – More than 500 people gathered Monday morning at City Pier Park for a Memorial Day remembrance of the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Navy veteran Carl Pearman…