Top Stories this week: Wednesday, June 16, 2004 'Top Notch' looking 'coy' for Smith This bubbling Koi fish photographed somewhere on Anna Maria Island by Michael H. Smith of Holmes Beach is the second weekly winner in The Islander's Top Notch photo contest. Weekly winners in the eight-week contest receive a coveted "More Than a Mullet Wrapper" Islander T-shirt and $50 from the newspaper. The photo will now go into a pool with other weekly winners eligible for the contest grand-prize package, including $100 from The Islander and a variety of gift certificates. Click on image to enlarge More Info... Ad hoc committee moving forward on land-use map Anna Maria's ad hoc comprehensive plan review committee met May 25 to share the final data members have collected to update the city's existing land-use map. Full Story... Former P&Z chair concerned about Pine development By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Former Anna Maria planning and zoning board chairman Doug Copeland has expressed concern about the board's recent approval of an application by Nikki and Robert Hunt of 303 Pine Ave. for a development in the retail-office-residential district. Full Story... Two short-listed for Ward 3 commission seat By Paul Roat. Islander Reporter Bradenton Beach city commissioners deadlocked on two candidates to join their ranks last week to fill the vacant Ward 3 seat on the board, causing a pause in the selection until June 17. Full Story... Commissioner, fire chief square off on ad valorem tax By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Anna Maria City Commissioner Duke Miller has vowed to lead the charge against the ad valorem tax referendum requested by the West Manatee Fire & Rescue District that will be on the Aug. 31 ballot for district voters. Full Story... Tidemark gets bankruptcy reorganization extension By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter The federal bankruptcy court in Tampa on May 28 gave developers of the Tidemark hotel/condominium/marina project in Holmes Beach until July 15 to come up with a reorganization plan. And if necessary, said the court, Tidemark could have up until Sept. 15 to file the plan. Full Story... Holmes Beach man arrested for exposure Holmes Beach Police on Friday arrested Rhonald C. Gupton, 38, of the 5600 block of Guava Street after he allegedly exposed himself in the presence of persons under the age of 16. Full Story... Anna Maria plans its own D-Day for remodeling project Anna Maria Mayor SueLynn has set Friday, June 18, as D-Day for city hall and staff to be moved into temporary quarters at the Island Baptist Church while city hall undergoes a long-overdue remodeling. The remodeling project by contractor Southern Cross Construction of Sarasota will begin Monday, June 21. Full Story... Garner heads FISH, Shore joins board Allen Garner promises "with luck, more of the same" for his term as president of the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage in Cortez. Full Story... Holmes Beach considers residential landscaping site plan By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Stung by the apparent decline in "greenery" in Holmes Beach, the city's parks and beautification committee has begun preparing a landscaping site plan ordinance that would affect all new single-family homes and duplexes and remodeling of such structures. Full Story...