Top Stories this week: Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2007 Peace power In New York City last week, the United Nations General Assembly wrestled with issues of sanctions and war. In Holmes Beach, at Anna Maria Elementary School, white doves flew and children celebrated the concept of peace. The UN established an annual International Day of Peace in 1981 as an observance of global non-violence and ceasefire. The day is usually observed on Sept. 21, but AME postponed its celebration due to inclement weather. Islander Photo: Joanie Mills DCA comp plan report next week The Florida Department of Community Affairs will hold a formal review of Anna Maria’s recently submitted comprehensive plan and future land-use map for “consistency” with the minimum criteria required under Florida law. Full Story... Sandbar Restaurant to halt some beach weddings By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Anna Maria and the Sandbar Restaurant have reached a “mutual agreement” that after Nov. 30, 2007, the restaurant will no longer hold outdoor weddings, Mayor Fran Barford told the city commission at its Sept. 27 meeting. Full Story... AME Calendar The Sandbar Restaurant will sponsor the monthly Parent-Teacher Organization dinner at Anna Maria Elementary School. Full Story... AMI real estate prediction: the worst is over By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter At this time last year, the Anna Maria Island real estate market was moving at the speed of an arthritic snail. In fact, the snail might even have been in a cast. Full Story... Public records trial ends; judge considers arguments By Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter A decision in the dispute over alleged public records and Sunshine Law violations now rests with Circuit Court Judge Peter Dubensky. Full Story... Bradenton Beach pier fishing kiosk going out to bid By Paul Roat With the Historic Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach two-fifths open, the next step in the process of opening the facility has gone to bid. Full Story... Code board cites 6 properties for overgrowth By Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter The Holmes Beach Code Enforcement Board did some lawn maintenance work last week, finding owners of six properties in violation of rules against “overgrowth.” Full Story... Hit and run in Holmes Beach A motorist apparently slammed through the median and took out two trees and a utility pole in the 5500 block of Marina Drive at about 4 a.m. Sept. 30, according to the Holmes Beach Police Department. Officers are investigating, but the motorist left the scene of the accident. The motorist was traveling north on Marina Drive at a high rate of speed when the accident occurred. The motorist left behind a 2005 Nissan with deployed airbags, two broken palm trees and a heap of concrete rubble. No injuries were reported nor were any suspects identified, according to HBPD on Monday. To report information on the incident, call HBPD at 941-708-5804. County cuts library hours By Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter Island Branch Library patrons will encounter an abridged schedule beginning in November. Full Story... Holmes Beach woman arrested in meth bust By Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter A Holmes Beach woman was among the 19 people arrested last week in a multi-agency effort to curb the sale of methamphetamine. Full Story... Man charged with fraud Holmes Beach resident Clyde Thomas Fretwell, 52, has been charged by Manatee County Sheriff’s Office deputies with scheme to defraud, exploition of the elderly, grand theft of more than $100,000 and failure to pull property permits in what has been described as a home repair scheme that lasted five years. Full Story... 'Rotten' opening The kitchen crew at Rotten Ralph’s on the Pier readies for a grand opening at the new Bradenton Beach restaurant on the renovated Bridge Street Pier. Full Story... Woman dies, another rescued near Sunshine Skyway Bridge By Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter A St. Petersburg woman was rescued Sept. 28 from the water near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge and rushed by boat to Galati Yacht Sales in Anna Maria for transportation to the hospital. Full Story... Zeigler re-sentenced in Palma Sola slaying By Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter A man who failed to comply with a plea agreement requiring him to testify against his mother in a Palma Sola murder case will now serve life in prison. Full Story...