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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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February 10, 2026
By Leslie Lake

Robert Talham appointed to Bradenton Beach City Commission 

Retired contractor Robert Talham was appointed to serve as the next Ward 4 city commissioner. 
February 10, 2026
By Leslie Lake

City seeks public records from former city attorney 

Five months after former City Attorney Ricinda Perry retired, the city seeks the return of all public records still in her possession.
February 10, 2026
By Leslie Lake

Commission approves Bungalow Beach Resort major development plan 

The Bradenton Beach City Commission approved a major development application for the construction of a two-story, 15-room hotel on the Bungalow Beach Resort property at 2000 and 2014 Gulf Drive N.
February 5, 2026
By Leslie Lake

Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival celebrates past and present 

CORTEZ – The 44th annual Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival will be held Saturday, Feb. 14, and Sunday, Feb. 15. The annual festival is a celebration of the cultural history of Cortez – one of the…
February 5, 2026
By Leslie Lake

“It Takes a Village” initiative rolled out

The Cortez Village Historical Society rolled out the “It Takes a Village” initiative that promotes protecting Sarasota Bay.
February 4, 2026
By Leslie Lake

City commission approves acting building official

Robert Perry has been named acting Bradenton Beach building official following Bill Palmer’s recent resignation.
February 3, 2026
By Leslie Lake

Hundreds attend Slicker’s Eatery send-off party

Before closing the doors of Slicker’s Eatery after five years in business, Bob Slicker greeted hundreds of well-wishers and friends at a Friday, Jan. 30, pig roast and send-off party.
February 2, 2026
By Leslie Lake

StayTerra files lawsuit against Jennifer Kaleta, AMI Premier Properties

On Dec. 19, StayTerra Vacations filed a civil lawsuit against Jennifer Warren-Kaleta, AMI Premier Properties and 21 property-specific LLCs.
January 29, 2026
By Leslie Lake

“It Takes a Village” initiative connects Cortez’s working waterfront, Sarasota Bay

The Cortez Village Historical Society, the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program and the Florida Maritime Museum are launching the “It Takes a Village” initiative on Saturday, Jan. 31.
January 28, 2026
By Leslie Lake

Friends of the Pelicans founder outlines hazards to brown pelicans

HOLMES BEACH – More than 70 people attended a Jan. 22 presentation by Friends of the Pelicans Inc. founder Jeanette Edwards. The presentation was given at the Island Branch Library and those who a…
January 27, 2026
By Leslie Lake

StayTerra Vacations files lawsuit against Kiri Stewart, Magnolia Cottages 

StayTerra Vacations filed a multi-million dollar lawsuit against Kiri Stewart and her Magnolia Cottages LLC.
January 27, 2026
By Leslie Lake

Lawmakers react to proposed cruise ship terminal 

 MANATEE COUNTY – State and local lawmakers reacted to the proposed development of a cruise ship terminal in northwest Manatee County on the Knott-Cowen tract of land located north of Rattlesnak…
January 22, 2026
By Leslie Lake

Commission discusses Ward 4 vacancy

City commissioners discussed filling the vacant Ward 4 city commission seat, but the lone applicant, Robert Talham, didn’t attend the meeting. 
January 22, 2026
By Leslie Lake

Beach Shop owners express hope and gratitude

An early January Facebook post by the owners of The Beach Shop announcing the possibility of the store’s closure brought an outpouring of community support and hope for the future.
January 21, 2026
By Leslie Lake

City facing challenges with FEMA reimbursements

Bradenton Beach Chief John Cosby outlined the challenges the city faces with approximately $500,000 in hurricane-related FEMA reimbursements.