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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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June 9, 2025
By Leslie Lake
Commissioners pursue palm tree removal

Commissioners pursue palm tree removal

BRADENTON BEACH – A new look may be coming to the roundabout at Bridge Street and along Gulf Drive. Mayor John Chappie said at a June 5 city commission meeting that the Washingtonian palms there hav…
June 9, 2025
By Leslie Lake
Tingley library clerk Adams retires

Tingley library clerk Adams retires

BRADENTON BEACH – Tingley Memorial Library clerk Eveann Adams is retiring effective June 21. In a May 27 letter to the city, Adams stated, “After being the clerk at Tingley Memorial Library for 22 y…
June 3, 2025
By Leslie Lake
Turtle Watch rescues sea turtle from swimming pool

Turtle Watch rescues sea turtle from swimming pool

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The number of sea turtle disorienta­tions in the past week is cause for concern to Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring volunteers. “We had eight adult disorie…
June 3, 2025
By Leslie Lake

NOAA hurricane season forecast ‘above normal’

A combination of warmer ocean temperatures, forecasted weak wind shear and other factors has resulted in predictions for a higher-than-average 2025 Atlantic hurricane season. The National Oceanic an…
June 2, 2025
By Leslie Lake
Bradenton Beach officials reflect on 2024 hurricane lessons. - Leslie Lake | Sun

Bradenton Beach officials reflect on 2024 hurricane lessons

BRADENTON BEACH – City officials discussed lessons learned following last year’s hurricanes and preparation for potential upcoming storms. “We learned the lesson that you can never be over-prepared…
June 2, 2025
By Leslie Lake
It takes a (fishing) village

It takes a (fishing) village

CORTEZ – Following the devastation in Cortez caused by Hurricane Helene, many individuals and groups stepped up to help the Cortez residents who lost so much in the Sept. 26, 2024 hurricane. The Cor…
May 30, 2025
By Leslie Lake
Hearing scheduled for Pines’ lawsuit dismissal request

Hearing scheduled for Pines’ lawsuit dismissal request

BRADENTON BEACH – A July 28 hearing is scheduled for a judge to decide on a motion filed by Pines Park Investors LLC to dismiss a lawsuit filed against them by the Pines Trailer Park Homeowners Assoc…
May 30, 2025
By Leslie Lake
Commissioners prioritize CDBG-funded projects

Commissioners prioritize CDBG-funded projects

BRADENTON BEACH – City commissioners conducted a May 19 work meeting as they continue working toward fulfilling the program requirements to receive county-controlled Community Development Block Grant…
May 28, 2025
By Leslie Lake
Commission discusses Tingley Library’s future

Commission discusses Tingley Library’s future

BRADENTON BEACH – City commissioners and library clerk and treasurer Eveann Adams met on May 21 to discuss the future of the Tingley Memorial Library, funding for repairs and a renewed conversation a…
May 27, 2025
By Leslie Lake
Bradenton Beach requests dismissal of Luper lawsuit

Bradenton Beach requests dismissal of Luper lawsuit

BRADENTON BEACH – The city of Bradenton Beach is asking for a dismissal of an April 25 lawsuit filed against the city by Bungalow Beach Resort owner Gayle Luper. Attorney Robert Lincoln is represent…
May 20, 2025
By Leslie Lake
Pines owners ask for dismissal of HOA lawsuit

Pines’ owners ask for dismissal of HOA lawsuit

BRADENTON BEACH – Pines Park Investors LLC filed a motion for the court to dismiss a lawsuit filed against them in March by the Pines Trailer Park Homeowners Association (HOA). The HOA lawsuit filed…
May 20, 2025
By Leslie Lake
Three young manatees rehabbing at Bishop Museum

Three young manatees rehabbing at Bishop Museum

BRADENTON – The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature received three young female manatees for secondary rehabilitation. The largest of the three, Crane, is recovering from cold stress syndrome, and w…
May 12, 2025
By Leslie Lake
Natural Resources Director discusses state of beaches

Beach improvement projects coming

MANATEE COUNTY – Anna Maria Island beach renourishment is scheduled for 2026-27 at federal expense, but Manatee County must pay to stabilize Gulf Drive, install offshore erosion control breakwaters a…
May 12, 2025
By Leslie Lake
Slicker's to celebrate four year anniversary on May 17

Slicker’s to celebrate four years on May 17

CORTEZ – Slicker’s Eatery is celebrating its fourth anniversary on Saturday, May 17 under a giant tent with live music, food, raffles and prizes. After being closed down for 128 days following exten…
May 12, 2025
By Leslie Lake
Turtle Tracks and Shorebird Facts presentations on Mondays

Turtle Tracks and Shorebird Facts presentations on Mondays

HOLMES BEACH – The weekly Monday morning Turtle Tracks and Shorebird Facts presentations have begun. The free lively and informative presentations about sea turtles and shorebirds by Anna Maria Isla…