Top Stories this week: Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2004 Water works AME second-grader Emma Terry gets a hand from WMFR firefighter Darren Vollmer watering a palm tree with a fire hose in front of the school. Students learned that 750 gallons of water travel through the hose in three to four minutes. The demonstration was part of a fire prevention presentation given to students by WMFR Inspector Donna Braun. Islander Photo: Diana Bogan Click on image to enlarge Tax 'hurricane' could devastate Island By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Anna Maria Island was spared the brunt of four major hurricanes this past summer, but those were natural disasters. The real threat could be unnatural. Full Story... Emergency sand removal approved for Anna Maria inlet By Diana Bogan. Islander Reporters The Anna Maria City Commission unanimously approved Mayor SueLynn's request to contract with Duncan Seawall Dock and Boat Lift to dredge sand from the entrance of the Lake La Vista channel. Full Story... Australian pines: save them or slay them? By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Island cities recently have all undertaken projects to remove Australian pines from city rights of way, citing a potential public danger and a Florida Department of Environmental Protection order to remove the non-native trees where possible. Full Story... Public purchase proposed for Gulffront Bradenon Beach lands By Paul Roat. Islander Reporter More public beachfront land acquisitions may be in Bradenton Beach's future. City commissioners last Thursday authorized Mayor John Chappie to approach several Gulffront property owners to see if they would be "willing sellers" of their property, the first step in a process that could turn potential homesites into public beach accesses or parks. Full Story... Motion to dismiss now with judge The opposing factions in a lawsuit against Holmes Beach and Frank Davis of 5422 Marina Drive have apparently agreed to end their dispute, at least over one issue. Full Story...