Top Stories this week: Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2006 The Anna Maria Island Privateers and their trademark ship are the feature of two parades they sponsor every year on Anna Maria Island. Islander(s) of the year: Privateers! If there is a symbol for Anna Maria Island, it is the sword-wielding, cannon-firing, ship-riding crew of the Anna Maria Island Privateers. Full Story... 2005: The year in review - Part Two By Paul Roat. Islander Reporter Below is the second half of The Islander's 2005 year in review, July through December. Full Story... School auction this Saturday Islanders looking for a bargain should plan on attending the Anna Maria Elementary School auction starting at 9 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 7. Full Story... Timber Construction crews at Anna Maria Elementary School reduced the ficus tree that once stood outside the school auditorium to kindling when it bulldozed the tree Dec. 30. The construction team announced its plans to cut down the tree at a public meeting in October and although a few citizens requested the tree be relocated, those efforts did not come to fruition. According to AME Principal Kathy Hayes, she was advised in December by Jane Dreger, school district construction services project manager, that Florida Department of Education building regulations prohibit transplanting of non-native species without a special exception. Demolition of the old school will continue Jan. 2-20. Islander Photo: Diana Bogan Juveniles charged for vandalizing school board property Three Island juveniles, ages 12-13, were arrested for breaking 10 windows and spray-painting graffiti on the exterior walls, windows and doors at Anna Maria Elementary School over winter vacation. Full Story... Renourishment halted for season, but pipes remain Bulldozers, pipes and other equipment used by Goodloe Marine for the emergency beach renourishment project sat starkly naked on the sand in Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach last week, unused and unmoved for the Christmas holiday week - and unloved by beachfront accommodation owners. Full Story... More people, more birds for count Everything was more for the Christmas bird count - twice as many people turned out to count, more species of birds spotted, more individual birds. Full Story... Perico construction ready, lawsuit could apply brakes By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter The St. Joe Co./Paradise Pointe LLC wasted little time after receiving approval in early December from the City of Bradenton for its commercial development at the Perico Harbor Marina at the east end of the Anna Maria Island Bridge. Full Story... Island elected officials wish for 2006 success By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Anna Maria Island elected officials are starting off 2006 with a fresh look and hope for the coming year. Full Story...