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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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August 19, 2025
By Leslie Lake
Bolus sends city notice of intent to file suit

Bolus sends city notice of intent to file suit

BRADENTON BEACH – Home­owner Bob Bolus, an outspoken critic of the city government, has delivered a notice of intent to file a $100 million class action lawsuit against the city based on allegations…
August 19, 2025
By Leslie Lake
SUN 3 Pines homeowners settle with park owners

Pines homeowners settle with park owners

BRADENTON BEACH – Dozens of evictions and title surrenders have thinned out the population at the 86-unit Pines Trailer Park, but those who remain participated in a settlement agreement in exchange f…
August 12, 2025
By Leslie Lake
Man accused of manslaughter now facing drug charges

Man accused of manslaughter now facing drug charge

CORTEZ – Ian Douglas, accused of manslaughter in the July 29 Baypointe Terrace shooting death of his father, Andrew “Drew” Douglas, is now facing a felony drug charge following a search of his home…
August 12, 2025
By Leslie Lake
CRA members discuss 2025-26 budget

CRA members discuss 2025-26 budget

BRADENTON BEACH – Com­munity Redevelopment Agency members discussed the proposed 2025-26 budget of $2,231,070 at a work meeting on Aug. 6 in prepara­tion for the next steps in the budget process – tw…
August 4, 2025
By Leslie Lake
Appeal hearing held on Bungalow Beach Resort parking

Appeal hearing held on Bungalow Beach Resort parking

BRADENTON BEACH – Attorneys for Luper Enterprises and the city of Bradenton Beach presented their opposing cases at a July 29 appeal hearing of a city commission’s deci­sion banning resort fee-based…
August 4, 2025
By Leslie Lake
Flesh-eating bacteria reported in Manatee County

Flesh-eating bacteria reported in Manatee County

MANATEE COUNTY – The Florida Department of Health (DOH)-Manatee County is report­ing one confirmed case of vibrio vulnificus, commonly known as flesh-eating bacteria, in Manatee County this year. Tw…
July 30, 2025
By Leslie Lake
Cortez man dies in shooting at home

Cortez man dies in shooting at home

CORTEZ – Manatee County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) detectives are investigating a shooting incident that resulted in the death of 76-year-old Cortez resident Andrew “Drew” Douglas on Tuesday, July 29…
July 29, 2025
By Leslie Lake
Green turtles break 2023 AMI nesting record

Green turtles break 2023 AMI nesting record

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring is celebrat­ing green turtles breaking their 2023 record of 12 nests on Anna Maria Island. “We now have 13 green turtle ne…
July 29, 2025
By Leslie Lake
Public provides input on Cortez Marina’s future

Public provides input on Cortez Marina’s future

BRADENTON – Manatee County residents expressed their preferences for the future of Cortez Marina at the first of five public workshops at the Bridge Church on July 24. The workshop, held in an open…
July 29, 2025
By Leslie Lake
Hurricane recovery grants available for fishing captains, guides

Hurricane recovery grants available for fishing captains, guides

In response to the impact of Hurricanes Helene and Milton to the local recreational fishing industry, Suncoast Waterkeeper and Tampa Bay Waterkeeper have launched grants of up to $1,000 to help cover…
July 25, 2025
By Leslie Lake
Douglas Naeher held without bond on attempted murder charge

Naeher held without bond on attempted murder charge

Updated July 27 at 1 p.m. BRADENTON – Holmes Beach resident Douglas Naeher, charged in the July 20 attempted murder of his wife, Stephanie Naeher, was ordered to be held without bond by 12th Judicia…
July 22, 2025
By Leslie Lake
Commissioners approve easement agreement for Drift-In

Commissioners approve easement agreement for Drift-In

BRADENTON BEACH – City commissioners unanimously approved an amended easement agreement regarding the Drift-In property at a July 17 meeting. The Drift-In had been operat­ing under its temporary use…
July 22, 2025
By Leslie Lake
Hurricane-damaged homes set for demolition

Hurricane-damaged homes set for demolition

BRADENTON BEACH – So far, 33 hurricane-damaged homes have been demolished citywide since the 2024 hurricanes, two are permitted for demolition and building officials are now focusing on the removal o…
July 21, 2025
By Leslie Lake
Beach cabana rentals under scrutiny

Beach cabana rentals under scrutiny

BRADENTON BEACH – City commissioners held their second discussion about commercial beach cabanas on July 17 and will consider the issue again in a special work meeting to be scheduled. In response t…
July 21, 2025
By Leslie Lake
Holmes Beach residents oppose fee hikes

Holmes Beach residents oppose fee hikes

HOLMES BEACH – Opposition to increases in stormwater fees and millage were top of mind for more than 50 city residents who made their feelings known to Commissioner Dan Diggins at a July 15 town hall…