Top Stories this week: Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2005 Origami artists decorate, display Artists who meet once a month to practice the ancient art of origami at the Island Branch Library this week decorated a Christmas tree at the library with the product of their labors, origami ornaments. Pictured, standing left to right, Ava Ehde, Laura Beard, Beverly Beaver and Merle Scribner. In front of the tree are, left to right, Maryellen Savo, instructor Judy Pruitt, Brook Funk and her baby Alayna. Islander Photos: Edna Tiemann No loophole in Pine Avenue construction By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Reports that the three single-family homes currently under construction on the old Island Marine property on Pine Avenue in Anna Maria could easily be converted to retail-office-residential units and by-pass the city’s requirement for a site plan are not quite accurate, according to Building Official Kevin Donohue. Full Story... Anna Maria Elementary School construction timeline By Diana Bogan. Islander Reporter A timeline for the remainder of the construction work at Anna Maria Elementary School has been released. The following is an outline of what students and the community can expect. Full Story... Bradenton Beach condo project permit lapses: Next ... ? By Paul Roat. Islander Reporter Building permits for one of the more luxurious of Bradenton Beach's proposed condo projects have expired. Full Story... Kitchen fire, sirens interrupt night A kitchen fire alarmed some residents around 11:30 p.m. Sunday when sirens were heard from two engines, an areial ladder truck and the battalion chief responding to a fire call from West Manatee Fire & Rescue. Longboat Key Fire District and Cedar Hammock Fire and Rescue each responded with an engine as well. Full Story... Westbay Cove residents object to Kingfish expansion By Paul Roat When Manatee County Natural Resources Director appeared before the Holmes Beach City Commission in August asking for the city's approval for the county to remove Brazilian pepper trees and add parking spaces at Kingfish Boat Ramp, Commissioner Roger Lutz suggested the commission postpone any decision until Westbay Cove residents had returned for the winter season and could provide input. Full Story... Buyer swipes kayaks before home sale completion By Paul Roat A potential homebuyer is accused of stealing four kayaks from the property for which he had a contact to buy. Full Story... Red tide still out there - barely The year-long red tide bloom has mostly busted off Southwest Florida and, although there are still some isolated reports of concentrations of the algae, it has mostly diminished in its counts off Anna Maria Island. Full Story... Restaurant scam investigation nets remorseful culprit By Paul Roat Rosemarie Le Donne has admitted to and apologized for sending some 12 letters to local restaurants asking for "some sort of restitution" after having her own "unpleasant experience" in what has been acknowledged as a scam to attempt to gain free meals. Full Story...