Top Stories this week: Wednesday, May. 25, 2005 And No. 1 Sara Scott shows off her winning first place ribbon and prizes in the Kids' Day "Little Pirate Lookalike Contest." Sara is congratulated by Privateer Tim "Hammer" Thompson, who chaired this year's event. Islander Photo: Bonner Joy Click image to enlarge Winners all ... The youngest contestants at the 51st annual Anna Maria Island Privateers Snooks Adams Kids Day at Bayfront Park in Anna Maria hop, hop, hop to the finish line in the "sack race." Islander Photo: Elizabeth Christie-Cline Click image to enlarge City attorney draws ire of Anna Maria City planners By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Anna Maria's planning and zoning board took shots at City Attorney Jim Dye for a Feb. 18 opinion he gave that will allow five single-family homes to be built along Pine Avenue in the city's retail-office-residential area, without accompanying retail-office space. The lots are on the site of the former Island Marine. Full Story... Sandbar gets alleyway vacation - finally By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Twenty-six years after he first bought the Sandbar restaurant and thought he had it, owner Ed Chiles finally got it. Full Story... Gulf Drive improvements could begin this fall By Rick Catlin, Islander Reporter There's nothing like a little optimism to jump-start an improvement project along Gulf Drive in Bradenton Beach that will add needed sidewalks, beach access areas and even pavilions along the scenic corridor. Full Story... Island public should vote on consolidation By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Just like Haley's comet, the issue of consolidating all three Island cities into one government keeps coming back. Full Story...