Top Stories this week: Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2005 Fire test successful Firefighters with the West Manatee Fire & Rescue District tested a "dry hydrant" at Tidy Island last week. The hydrant, one of two dry units on the island, draws water from ponds to aid in fighting fires. Traditional hydrants on the island were installed more than 20 years ago, fire officials said, and supply lines do not supply as much water as is currently desired. "After a structure fire last March, where a limited water supply hampered firefighters' efforts to control the blaze, Tidy Island residents worked with Manatee County Public Works and West Manatee Fire & Rescue officials to improve the fire protection water supply," Capt. Ernie Cave said, improvements that included the dry hydrants as well as sprinklers on new buildings. The dry hydrant system allows up to 1,000 gallons of water per minutes to flow through hoses, pumped via fire trucks. Islander Photo: Paul Roat Anna Maria commission sets new public comment rule By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Anna Maria’s new city commission at its Nov. 10 organizational meeting re-elected Commissioner John Quam as the commission chairperson and vice-mayor along with Commissioner Linda Cramer as deputy chairperson. Full Story... Anna Maria neighborhood OK with variance request A neighborhood meeting in Anna Maria Nov. 9 to discuss an upcoming variance request by Mike and Nancy Yetter and Joseph and Shirley McGuire for two adjacent lots currently on Gulf Drive met with no opposition from residents. Full Story... Term limit status quo after review in Bradenton Beach By Paul Roat. Islander Reporter Don't let it be said that your vote doesn't count - it most definitely did last week in Bradenton Beach. Full Story... Holmes Beach planning continues to plan The Holmes Beach planning committee continued its discussion of proposed changes to the comprehensive plan and land development codes Nov. 9 at a meeting with City Planner Bill Brisson. Full Story... Holiday Prelude launching season Thanksgiving night the annual Holiday Prelude in Bradenton Beach will do its traditional job: Launching the holiday season with a big citywide street party. Full Story... St. Joe plans commercial project at Perico Harbor Marina By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter The St. Joe Company, formerly known as Arvida Corp., owners of the Perico Harbor Marina on Manatee Avenue West, submitted plans Monday to the Bradenton Planning Commission for a commercial development at property it owns fronting the marina at 123200 and 12320 Manatee Ave. W. Full Story... Privateers bring horses to parade By Jim Hanson. Islander Reporter No walking in the holiday parade is the rule - it's Island-long and much too long to walk. Now, though, there will indeed be walkers, and they'll have four legs. Full Story...