Top Stories this week: Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2005 'Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow ...' Something about this holiday light display and giant snow globe at Haley's Motel in Holmes Beach makes you want to sing Christmas carols. With more than 12,000 twinkling lights and the snow globe, complete with falling snow and snow characters, it's a Florida "Winter Wonderland." It's also one of the winners in the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce-sponsored lighting contest. Islander Photo: Bonner Joy Legal threats force city to 'throttle back' proposed ordinance By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Anna Maria City Commissioners took a line from Shakespeare at their Dec. 15 meeting, deciding that discretion was the better part of valor, particularly when faced with yet another threat of legal action over the city's proposed coastal overlay district ordinance. Full Story... Moving day comes for AME Anna Maria Elementary School teachers and staff spent their final day in the old school Friday, Dec. 16. Full Story... How the Grinch stole Island Christmas By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter The Grinch was in a bind, he was way behind In stealing Christmas from Island time. He sat in his sandcastle and saw Islanders dreaming Of Christmas cheer, then he began scheming. Full Story... Boundary expansion proposal again floated in Bradenton Beach By Paul Roat. Islander Reporter Holiday festivities aside, Bradenton Beach may be growing three-fold next year. Full Story... Holmes Beach wants consolidation committee By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter The Holmes Beach City Commission at its Dec. 13 meeting gave grudging consensus for Mayor Carol Whitmore to talk with Bradenton Beach officials about forming a combined committee of elected officials and private citizens to study the issue of Island consolidation. Full Story... Homeless find Island a 'free ride' By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Many of Manatee County's homeless population often head to Anna Maria Island, particularly on weekends. Full Story...