Top Stories - This Week: Wednesday, March. 3, 2004 Heritage Festival prep on Pine Avenue Anna Maria Public Works Director George McKay and volunteer Nick Norwood "zoom" the banner heralding Heritage Week over Pine Avenue Sunday in preparation for the week's events, including a Saturday street festival honoring the city's first mayor (1923-1927) Mitch Davis, with music, food, antique cars, raffles, contests, dignitaries and fun for all. Islander Photos: Bonner Joy Click on image to enlarge Spiffing up Anna Maria City Commissioner Linda Cramer, a painter by trade who resided for a time in Belle Haven Cottage when it was situated on Palmeto Avenue, having been moved there from the city pier where it had fallen in the water, and now located at the Anna Maria Historical Park, puts trim paint on the cottage in preparation of Heritage Week. Click on image to enlarge Anna Maria to extend building moratorium By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Plans by the Anna Maria City Commission to end the current building moratorium on April 1 apparently will have to be changed. Full Story... New Arvida site plan reduces number of condos By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter The Arvida Corporation submitted a new site plan to the City of Bradenton yesterday for its planned Perico Island condominium project, a move that had long been expected by opponents of the development. Full Story... Rumors of lawsuits floating around Bradenton Beach By Paul Roat. Islander Reporter Legal thunderstorms may be looming on the horizon of Bradenton Beach. Full Story... City says 'go directly to court,' not us By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Fed up with listening to appeals of board of adjustment decisions that seem to end up in circuit court regardless of the city commission's direction on the appeal, Holmes Beach city commissioners Feb. 24 approved the first reading of an ordinance that will send those appeals directly to the court. Full Story... Series of IMS board meetings cause a ruckus By Diana Bogan. Islander Reporter The Island Middle School board of directors met three times in the past week with evidence of increasing tension and animosity between members becoming apparent. Full Story... IMS board president investigates alleged 'secret taping' By Diana Bogan. Islander Reporter Island Middle School Board President Genie Salter and IMS parent/former board member Scott Bassett are conducting an investigation into allegations that other board or staff members secretly taped some recent public meetings. Full Story... Brasota Mortgage now controls Tidemark destiny By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Brasota Mortgage Inc. of Sarasota and Bradenton has purchased the first mortgage on the Tidemark property in Holmes Beach from Regions Bank of Florida, essentially assuming control over the future of the embattled hotel/condominium/marina project. Full Story... Fire protection costs will rise if ad valorem tax issue passes By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter The annual assessment for residents of the West Manatee Fire & Rescue District will remain in effect, even if district voters approve a measure March 9 allowing the district to collect revenue with an ad valorem tax, WMFRD Chief Andy Price said. The story in the Feb. 25 issue of The Islander had indicated otherwise. Full Story...

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