Top Stories this week: Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2004 Yummmmm! Let's get crabby Stone crabs came into season Oct. 15 and the delicacy started arriving on dinner tables almost immediately, thanks to Cortez commercial fishers. Here, Paul Brugger of Star Fish Co. restaurant and market on the Cortez waterfront shows off some ready-to-crack-and-eat claws. Islander Photo: Nancy Ambrose Click on image to enlarge Surprise: Outdoor dining illegal in Anna Maria City By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter If you are one of the many people who enjoyed a fine meal outdoors at an Anna Maria restaurant this past weekend, don't be upset to know that you and the establishment that served you that nice dinner are breaking the law. Full Story... Anna Maria city hall reopens Monday Anna Maria City Hall should reopen at 9 a.m. Monday, Oct. 25, Mayor SueLynn said. Full Story... Tax protesters organize, but face lengthy battle By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter More than 70 concerned Island business and property owners calling themselves the Citizens Against Rising Taxation jammed the Holmes Beach city commission chambers Oct. 14 in the second protest meeting of the past two weeks against rising taxes on the Island, taxes that many claim are forcing them out of business (The Islander, Sept. 15, 29, Oct. 13). Full Story... Ex-Bradenton Beach Fishing Pier franchisee files suit against city By Paul Roat. Islander Reporter A lawsuit has been filed by franchise holders of the popular fishing pier in Bradenton Beach against the city in the wake of damage sustained to the structure during Hurricane Frances on Labor Day weekend. Full Story... Holmes Beach commission candidates differ, agree By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Two divided by four always equals one-half. That means half of the four candidates for the two Holmes Beach commission seats up for election in November will be left out, while two will gain a two-year term on the commission. Full Story... Island Lumber site plan draws public ire By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Most people who spoke at the Oct. 12 Holmes Beach commission meeting on the site plan submitted by Island Lumber at 213 54th St. for a new storage facility had little opposition to the plan. Instead, they brought up a litany of transgressions about parking and safety at the location that they claim have been on-going for years. Full Story... Stinkin' mess for Holmes Beach property owners By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Holmes Beach won't be picking up the tab to remove any remaining debris caused by Hurricane Jeanne, Mayor Carol Whitmore said. Full Story... Holmes Beach holiday decorations OK By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter A legal review of the holiday decorations used by Holmes Beach during the Christmas season has determined that they do not violate the U.S. Constitution. Full Story... King Middle School faces construction obstacles By Diana Bogan. Islander Reporter The parents and faculty at King Middle School have been asked to consider some options that affect their student's ability to attend the current facility while the Manatee County School District struggles with the best option to build a long overdue new facility. Full Story...