Top Stories this week: Wednesday, April 21, 2004 Arson! Capt. Kurt Lathrop of the West Manatee Fire & Rescue District posts a notice at the Waterfront Restaurant in Anna Maria asking for anyone with information on the March 18 fire at the property to call him at 741-3900. Anyone providing information will be kept anonymous, Lathrop said. A reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction. Islander Photo: Rick Catlin Click on image to enlarge Anna Maria restaurant fire deemed arson By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Investigators of the West Manatee Fire & Rescue District and the State Fire Marshall's Office now say that the March 18 fire at the Waterfront Restaurant in Anna Maria was an act of arson. Full Story... Charter changes discussed for Bradenton Beach By Paul Roat. Islander Reporter Bradenton Beach voters may have the opportunity to change the way the city does business on their August ballot. Full Story... Parking lot proposal gets nod by planners By Paul Roat. Islander Reporter A proposed parking lot in Bradenton Beach will received the go-ahead by city planners and will come before the city commission May 6. Full Story... Holmes Beach nixes new turtle ordinance By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Holmes Beach city commissioners unanimously rejected a proposed new turtle lighting ordinance at their April 6 workshop, calling the ordinance excessive and not in the best interests of city residents. Full Story... Holmes Beach sex offender has moved A resident of the apartment units at 4500 Gulf Drive which a convicted sex offender had listed as his address (The Islander, March 17), says the man is no longer living at that duplex. Full Story... Tidemark seeks court approval for further credit By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Embattled Tidemark Partners LLC, developers of the Tidemark hotel and condominium project in Holmes Beach, has asked the federal bankruptcy court in Tampa to approve a $130,000 loan from Southstar Development Partners of Coral Gables to allow the company to continue operating for the next three months. Full Story...

Click to view the party picture gallery