Top Stories this week: Wednesday, Dec. 29, 2004 Shack docks ransacked by Christmas storm Miss Sarasota broke its lines and sent the end docks and pilings tumbling in the bay at the Seafood Shack marina in Cortez. The luxury tour boat that services the Hyatt Sarasota guests was towed away, leaving Seafood Shack owner Ham Jones and his marina crew to deal with what he termed a "serious loss." Islander Photo: Jo Ann Meilner Please, let us give you some money for the beach By Paul Roat. Islander Reporter It's not often that the federal government insists on giving locals money, but that's just what happened between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Manatee County regarding the beaches on Anna Maria Island. Full Story... The Islander's 2004 year in review, part 1 Murder in Bradenton Beach, land use squabbles in Holmes Beach, parking woes going on and on and on in Anna Maria, plus beach erosion-accretion, soaring property values, rising poverty ... 2004 was quite a year, and this week's wrapup only covers the first six months. Full Story... Christmas surprise: high wind, tide A strong winter storm hammered Anna Maria Island with winds of more than 60 mph just before dawn Sunday after Christmas but caused only slight damage - except at the Seafood Shack where the docks and some boaters suffered a significant loss. Full Story... Remodeled Cafe on the Beach delayed again At least a portion of the newly remodeled Cafe on the Beach at the Manatee Public Beach reopened on Christmas Day to live music and crowds at the "Pancake Cage," in spite of cold weather. The Sunday morning storm forced the restaurant to close, but they plan to serve pancake breakfasts daily 8 a.m. to noon - weather permitting. The Beach Shop adjacent to the cafe has reopened as well. Cafe owner Gene Schaefer said the county is working very hard to get the inside dining room open next week, but the full kitchen won't open until late January. The project started in August and was to be finished Nov. 1 but setbacks developed in hurricane season. Islander Photo: Bonner Joy Click on image to enlarge Remove the boat before it removes the dock Seafood Shack staff and boat owners struggle to contain the collapsed dock in order to safely remove "Tenure" from its birth. Islander Photo: Bonner Joy Click on image to enlarge Beach House deck swabbed by winds The curtains are ripped to shreds and tables, chairs and even portable heaters with attached propane tanks were tossed across the beachfront deck after high winds blew through Sunday morning. Manager Mike Shannon said it was worse than any summer hurricane damage incurred there. Islander Photo: Bonner Joy Click on image to enlarge Potted plants toppled Early morning high winds and gusts on Dec. 26 toppled outdoor potted plants like a row of dominos at Hurricane Hanks in Holmes Beach. Islander Photo: Bonner Joy Click on image to enlarge