Top Stories this week: Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2004 This power pole and transformer in the parking lot at the Rod & Reel Pier and the motel of the same name in Anna Maria was downed Sunday afternoon by high winds from Hurricane Frances. Winds at the Anna Maria City Pier at 2 p.m. were gusting 47 mph. Islander Photo: Paul Roat Click on image to enlarge Some Island motels reap Frances benefit By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter One man's misery is often another man's fortune. That seemed to be the case this past weekend as Florida east coast residents flocked to Manatee County and Anna Maria Island to get out of the way of powerful Hurricane Frances. Full Story... Hurricane Ivan forecast tracks farther away from Island With the forecast track of powerful Hurricane Ivan moved farther west, away from Anna Maria Island, Manatee County Emergency Operations Center officials have delayed issuing any evacuation orders. Full Story... Lawsuit filed against Anna Maria, arbitration hearing requested By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter True to their word, Robert and Nicky Hunt have filed a lawsuit against the City of Anna Maria requesting that the circuit court overturn the Aug. 2 city commission denial of their site plan for their property at 303 Pine Ave. Full Story... Hope for North Shore property owners By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Property owners on North Shore Drive in Anna Maria already suffering severe beach erosion this summer (The Islander, Aug. 4 and Aug. 11) were hit hard by the backside of Hurricane Frances that brought waves crashing against their already damaged beaches and homes. The foundation of a home at 765 North Shore is now exposed from the wave action this past weekend. Full Story... O'Brien out of commission race in Bradenton Beach By Paul Roat. Islander Reporter Citing family concerns, Bradenton Beach Ward 4 City Commissioner Anna O'Brien announced Aug. 2 that she was withdrawing from the Nov. 2 ballot, making Bill Shearon the commissioner-elect for the southern portion of the city. Full Story... Bradenton Beach officials: $100 per year stormwater fee OK By Paul Roat. Islander Reporter Without much comment, Bradenton Beach city commissioners have approved the first reading of a $100-per-year fee to residents to improve and reduce stormwater runoff in the city. Full Story... Public input given to Holmes Beach planners By Diana Bogan. Islander Reporter A dozen residents attended the information gathering sessions held by the Holmes Beach Planning Commission and city planner Bill Brisson last week. The sessions provided residents with a forum to provide input on comprehensive plan and land development issues they believe the city needs to address. Full Story... Storm relief continues on Island By Jim Hanson. Islander Reporter Two hurricanes down and another making nasty gestures, Anna Maria Islanders continue strong efforts to help the victims. Full Story...