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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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March 13, 2023
By Leslie Lake
Local crews keeping beaches clean

Local crews keeping beaches clean

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – After more than three weeks of west winds pushing red tide and subsequent dead fish toward local Gulf of Mexico beaches, an easterly wind shift on Thursday gave some beachgoers a…
February 14, 2023
By Leslie Lake
Onshore winds, strong currents stir up red tide on AMI

Onshore winds, strong currents stir up red tide on AMI

HOLMES BEACH – What a difference a few days and some strong winds can make. While red tide reports from several days earlier showed low concentrations of Karenia brevis, the organism that causes r…
January 17, 2023
By Leslie Lake
Suzi Fox honored at celebration of life

Suzi Fox honored at celebration of life

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – At the celebration of Suzi Fox’s life, local dignitaries, family and friends painted a picture of a dedicated advocate for Island turtles, a fun-loving and funny friend, a…
December 28, 2022
By Leslie Lake
Honoring Dr. Mary Fulford Green

Honoring Dr. Mary Fulford Green

CORTEZ — Imagine a Cortez village where the fishing bungalows and working fish houses have been replaced by high-rise condos and a 140-year history is left unrecorded. Dr. Mary Fulford Green, a l…
December 20, 2022
By Leslie Lake
Mullet season in full swing

Mullet season in full swing

CORTEZ – It might not be for joy, but the mullet are definitely jumping. Spawning season and cast net-wielding fishermen anxious to make some Christmas money are a formula for a busy mulle…
December 12, 2022
By Leslie Lake
Environmental groups push to return manatees to endangered status

Environmental groups push to return manatees to endangered status

Since the 2017 downlisting of manatees from endangered to threatened status – and with a record number of deaths of the marine mammals – a push is underway to seek restoration of the manatee’…
November 30, 2022
By Leslie Lake
Please, don’t feed shorebirds

Please, don’t feed shorebirds

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Humans disturbing birds is one of the key hazards to threatened shorebird and seabird populations, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Flori…
November 30, 2022
By Leslie Lake

Ambrose prepares to open new market

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Followers of the “Where is the Market?” Facebook page are anxiously awaiting what appears to be an imminent announcement of a new venue. “I will be thankful at Thanksgi…
November 24, 2022
By Leslie Lake

Red tide affects Manatee County waters

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The Florida Department of Health in Manatee County has issued an alert for the presence of red tide in local waters. Based on samples taken Nov. 7, a red tide bloom in…
November 1, 2022
By Leslie Lake
FWC warns boaters to watch out for manatees

FWC warns boaters to watch out for manatees

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Manatees are on the move this time of year, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is reminding boaters to keep an eye out for the slow-moving mar…
November 1, 2022
By Leslie Lake
Cortez Village Historical Society seeks board members

Cortez Village Historical Society seeks board members

CORTEZ – The Cortez Village Historical Society (CVHS) is putting out a call for new board members interested in helping preserve the rich history of the commercial fishing village. The gro…
October 25, 2022
By Leslie Lake
Sea Hagg to be sold at auction

Sea Hagg to be sold at auction

CORTEZ – After 25 years in business, the Sea Hagg, 12304 Cortez Road W., is being sold and an online auction of some 1,000 nautical, decorative and architectural items is underway. “This…
October 25, 2022
By Leslie Lake
Erosion expected to resolve naturally

Erosion expected to resolve naturally

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – While the Island missed a direct hit from Hurricane Ian, the effects of the Sept. 28 storm included beach erosion, primarily on the north end of the Island. The good ne…
October 25, 2022
By Leslie Lake
Red tide numbers high south of Manatee County

Red tide numbers high south of Manatee County

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – While the waters off Manatee County show only background concentrations of Karenia brevis, the bacteria that causes red tide, some areas to the south are experiencing high…
October 18, 2022
By Leslie Lake

Coquina Beach Market opening delayed

BRADENTON BEACH – The Coquina Beach Market has hit a hurricane-sized snag and its projected Nov. 1 opening will be delayed, according to Manatee County officials. “As crews have been deplo…