Blake tries new tactic to block hospital; Manatee Memorial's competitor appeals the approval to build a hospital in the Manatee County subdivision.(BUSINESS)

A month ago, Manatee Memorial executives were jubilant when the state approved the Bradenton hospital's proposal for a new campus in Lakewood Ranch.

But a familiar player is seeking to scuttle the project: Blake Medical Center, the other Bradenton hospital. Blake, which is owned by HCA, is appealing the approval of plans for the $40 million facility in one of Manatee County's fastest-growing communities.

The notice of appeal filed last week with the Agency for Health Care Administration said Blake would challenge the Nov. 28 decision in the 2nd District Court of Appeal.

For more than a year, Blake has objected to Manatee Memorial's plan to transfer …