Top Stories this week: Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2004 Book fair just in time for holiday gift-giving Kay Kay Hardy, co-chairperson of the Anna Maria Elementary Scholastic Book Fair, shows a book to fourth-grader Stephanie Purnell, 9. The students were able to preview the books and prepare a holiday wish list. The book fair operates in the school auditorium from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. through Dec. 3. Islander Photo: J.L. Robertson Click on image to enlarge Albert variance: yes, no, no By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Anna Maria resident Larry Albert had a setback variance approved by the planning and zoning board to build on his vacant lot at 796 Jacaranda Road. Full Story... Bradenton Beach path ahead unclear By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter The planned Bradenton Beach multi-use path now faces a clouded future as county officials say the $192,000 grant for the project is not enough money for the 1.47 miles of path. Full Story... Holiday celebration kicks off Friday By Jim Hanson. Islander Reporter With music and gifts and games, the 2004 holidays get a running start Friday evening, Dec. 3, with open house in the Holmes Beach business district. Full Story... Holmes Beach pledges fight over county charter By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Holmes Beach Mayor Carol Whitmore and city commissioners vowed at the Nov. 23 commission meeting to fight any attempt by the Manatee County Commission to impose a county charter that will take away home rule from municipalities. Full Story... ManaSota-88, Perry request dismissal from lawsuit Rather than accept the terms of a settlement agreement regarding the proposed Arvida-St. Joe Co. condominium project on Perico Island, the environmental group ManaSota-88 and Holmes Beach resident Joan Perry have asked to be voluntarily dismissed from their lawsuit against the project's approval by the City of Bradenton. Full Story... Community center auditorium may solve AME problem By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter The planned auditorium for the Anna Maria Island Community Center may be a solution to the need to eliminate some planned additions and amenities for the new Anna Maria Elementary School to meet the school board budget for the school. Full Story... Tidemark closing delayed By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter The long-awaited new financing agreement for the bankrupt Tidemark hotel and condominium project in Holmes Beach will have to wait at least three more days before Reliance Property Group of Connecticut actually comes on board with enough money to save the troubled company. Full Story...