Top Stories this week: Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2004 Surf's up on Anna Maria Island Hundreds - more than anyone recollects - of surfers attacked the high surf, estimated to be anywhere from 8 to 15 feet, during Ivan's brush with Anna Maria Island. Meteorologists reported waves at the eyewall of Ivan to be 55 feet as the storm passed 300 miles out, and 100 miles from Anna Maria, 25-foot seas. Islander Photo: J.L. Robertson Click on image to enlarge Water, water everywhere Rotten Ralph's Waterfront Restaurant took on the literal translation during high tide and the addition of a 2- to 4-foot tidal surge Sept. 15 as water inundated the restaurant and engulfed Ralph's outdoor deck when Hurricane Ivan passed Anna Maria Island 300 miles offshore in the Gulf of Mexico. Unfrazzled, the restaurant remained open and dried out later, although some repairs were needed on the deck, according to Dave Russell. Islander Photo: Joanie Mills Click on image to enlarge Ivan: The terrible damage to Anna Maria beaches By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporters Anna Maria property owners along North Shore Drive who spent big bucks on some quick beach renourishment sand and revetment two weeks ago (The Islander, Sept. 15) in hopes of saving their property before Hurricane Ivan's arrival saw that money go washing quickly out to sea last week. Full Story... AME construction cost exceeds $10 million, cuts under way By Diana Bogan. Islander Reporter "We need magic and miracles is what I'm hearing you say," responded Manatee County Superintendent Roger Dearing to school board members reviewing the escalating cost of constructing the proposed new Anna Maria Elementary School at a budget workshop held last week. Full Story... Woodland proposes sweeping budget reductions By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Anna Maria City Commissioner Dale Woodland has proposed a number of expense reductions in the 2004-05 budget that he claims would save the city $161,000. Full Story... Hayes resigns from Anna Maria commission race Anna Maria city commission candidate Ben Hayes is now the former candidate after he submitted a letter to the city Sept. 16 stating that he was withdrawing as a candidate for a commission seat in the Nov. 2 election for personal reasons. Full Story... Key Way RV Park sold to Chiles, Whitehead By Paul Roat. Islander Reporter Bradenton Beach is in the market for a new fishing pier franchisee. Full Story... Rat removal completed; stench gone, too The rats are gone, their detritus has been eliminated and, it is hoped, the aroma will soon depart in Bradenton Beach City Hall. Full Story... Record budget for Holmes Beach a definite maybe By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Holmes Beach City Commissioners adopted a tentative 2004-05 budget of $8.4 million at its initial budget hearing Sept. 14, along with a tentative 2.0 millage rate. But at least two commissioners served notice in the 3-2 budget vote that they were prepared to argue a number of line items when the commission meets for the final budget hearing Sept. 28. The tentative millage rate passed unanimously. Full Story... County error may lead to Holmes Beach windfall By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Holmes Beach residents can thank officials at Manatee County Facilities Management if the city gets an extra $13,841 in the city treasury this year. Full Story...