Top Stories this week: Wednesday, May 12, 2004 Patriotic Stars and Stripes Anna Maria Elementary School fifth-graders Molly Wolfe, Ricky Miller and Eric Larsen are assisted by Honor Guardsman Dick Krempasky of Kirby Stewart American Legion Post No. 24 in raising the American flag previously flown at Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan. The flag was sent to AME by Army Maj. Rick Ely while he was stationed there. The flag is of further significant because it flew over the base on Humanitarian Aid Day. Islander Photo: Diana Bogan Click on image to enlarge AME raises American soldier's flag from Afghanistan By Diana Bogan. Islander Reporter Raising the American flag over Anna Maria Elementary School at the start of the school day was a special honor Tuesday, May 11. Full Story... Ely family to be June guest of AMI Following his tour of duty in Afghanistan, U.S. Army Maj. Rick Ely and his family are planning to visit the Island in June. Full Story... Parking plan going forward in Anna Maria By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter A divided Anna Maria City Commission grudgingly gave the go-ahead at its May 6 meeting for a draft ordinance to govern parking within the designated beach access zone. Commission Chairperson John Quam said he would have the ordinance ready for a first reading at the May 27 commission meeting. Full Story... AME FCAT results look good By Diana Bogan. Islander Reporter The Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test in reading, math and writing show Anna Maria Elementary School in the top echelon once again. Full Story... New Arvida site plan heads to Bradenton Planning Commission By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Island residents will hold their collective breath May 19 as the revised Arvida site plan for its proposed Perico Island condominium project goes before the Bradenton Planning Commission that day. A favorable recommendation by the commission will send the issue to the Bradenton City Council, which approved the original Arvida plan in 2000. Full Story... City manager, government change to be on August ballot in Bradenton Beach By Paul Roat. Islander Reporter Voters will decide Aug. 31 whether or not to change the form of government in Bradenton Beach to include a city manager. Full Story... Bell, Cortez partners buy Sigma property By Jim Hanson. Islander Reporter Karen Bell was to realize a long-standing dream late Tuesday, closing on a transaction to purchase the old Sigma fish house property in Cortez. Full Story... Landscaping a hot topic in Holmes Beach By Diana Bogan. Islander Reporter It seems some residents in Holmes Beach are standing up to speak for the trees, but they differ in which trees they speak for - mature trees, native trees, or non-native trees. Full Story... Island Middle School aces FCAT writing score By Diana Bogan. Islander Reporter It seems some residents in Holmes Beach are standing up to speak for the trees, but they differ in which trees they speak for - mature trees, native trees, or non-native trees. Full Story... Aubry's alternative for King construction ignored By Diana Bogan. Islander Reporter Architect Gene Aubry has an alternative to the Manatee County School Board's decision to re-use an existing school design at King Middle School. He has a design he generated eight months ago at the superintendents behest that could be ready for construction in 90 days if school board officials were considering efficiency and excellence instead of mediocrity. Full Story... Landscaping a hot topic in Holmes Beach By Diana Bogan. Islander Reporter Plans for new construction at Anna Maria Elementary and King Middle schools are still moving forward despite delays on both projects. Full Story...