Top Stories this week: Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2006 Tell me more, tell me more Ed Straight, left, of Wildlife Education Rehabilitation of Anna Maria, introduces "Angel" the barn owl to two young visitors at Saturday's 10th Annual Anna Maria Island Arts and Crafts Show in Holmes Beach. Andrew McGinnis, 8, left, and sister Allie, both of Lakeland, were delighted to learn about Angel and her rehabilitation. The McGinnis family frequents Holmes Beach and owns a condo "beach house" here. Wildlife Inc. is co-sponsor of the event. Islander Photo: Bonner Joy Sandbar granted site-plan extension By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter After hearing arguments from Sandbar restaurant attorney Ricinda Perry that her client should be allowed an extension to submit a final site plan, the Anna Maria City Commission approved the request at its Jan. 24 meeting, but noted that the wording of the code needs to be changed. Full Story... AME gains additional landscape funds Holmes Beach Mayor Carol Whitmore says she has Manatee School District Superintendent Roger Dearing's word that Anna Maria Elementary School will receive an additional $6,000 for planting new trees on campus. Full Story... Pipeline becoming danger to tourism, beachgoers By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter The 1960s instrumental hit "Pipeline" should be played every day on the Island along the miles of unused and unmoved pipe that were to be used for the beach renourishment project that was scheduled to end last October. Full Story... Plans proceeding for Gulf Drive improvements in Bradenton Beach By Paul Roat. Islander Reporter After being free of any resident convicted sex offenders for the past eight months, Holmes Beach now has a convicted sex offender living within the city. Full Story... Tear-down, rebuild home boom in Holmes Beach By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Holmes Beach homeowners looking to cash in on the Island's real estate boom are tearing down older structures and replacing them with new homes with a hefty price tag. Full Story... Holmes Beach rebuffs county plans for Kingfish Boat Ramp By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Residents of Westbay Cove in Holmes Beach showed up en masse at the Jan. 24 city commission to protest a plan by Manatee County to add parking to Kingfish Boat Ramp, along with removing Brazilian pepper trees. Full Story... Bridge bids too high Bids for the proposed new Key Royale Bridge in Holmes Beach were opened by the Florida Department of Transportation Monday, but the results, to say the least, were disappointing. Full Story...