Top Stories this week: Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2005 Husband, wife fire victims face trouble, arrested by police By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter That Bradenton Beach family of seven that was left homeless following an apartment fire Feb. 10 is facing even more difficulties. Full Story... Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival a hit — again Joselin Presswood, 7, who is selecting a welk from the "touch tank," spent as much time as she could Sunday at the Cortez festival touching marine critters and listening to young marine expert (lifetime Cortezian) Matthew Ibasfalean, age 12. Anchorage in news again in Bradenton Beach By Paul Roat. Islander Reporter The on-again, off-again anchorage issue in Anna Maria Sound off Bradenton Beach appears to be on - again. Full Story... BIEO bashes charter By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Members of the Barrier Island Elected Officials at their Feb. 17 meeting remained united in their opposition to the proposed Manatee County charter and vowed to educate the public on their belief that the charter will give the county control over city land-use and development issues. Full Story... Cortez festival a success on all fronts By Jim Hanson. Islander Reporter Any way you gauge it - social, financial, just pure enjoyment - the Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival over the weekend was the "huge success" its sponsors wanted. Full Story... Cortez store redo program changes By Jim Hanson. Islander Reporter The zoning glitch at the old school grounds in Cortez is forcing a change in the program to restore the old Burton store, a separate project. All seems well so far. Full Story... Code board grants extension to violator By Diana Bogan. Islander Reporter The Holmes Beach Code Enforcement Board unanimously approved a request for an extension of time made by property owners William and Dana Holmes. Full Story... Postal carrier bitten by dog A Holmes Beach postal carrier was severely injured Thursday, Feb. 16, while making deliveries on 74th Street when she was bitten on the hand and thigh by a dog. Full Story... Family stays on Island after fire By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Islanders and Islander newspaper readers have opened up their hearts and wallets to a family of seven that lost their apartment and nearly everything else in a Bradenton Beach fire Feb. 10 ( The Islander , Feb. 16). Full Story... Turtle director takes long-distance jab at Sandbar plan Although traveling south on a trawler to South America, Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch Director Suzi Fox sent an e-mail to Anna Maria Building Official Kevin Donohue that she has concerns with the site plan currently being considered by the city's planning and zoning board for the Sandbar restaurant. Full Story... Fire district in good financial shape By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Despite three defeats at the polls last year for a property tax to increase its revenues, the West Manatee Fire and Rescue District is in good shape financially, according to auditor Ed Leonard. Full Story...