Top Stories this week: Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2007 Residents of an apartment in the 300 block of North Shore Drive in Anna Maria talk with Deputy Fire Marshal Kurt Lathrop outside their home, which they evacuated after they noticed smoke at about 10 p.m. Nov. 16. Islander Photos: Lisa Neff Fire damages Anna Maria duplex By Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter Residents carrying two infants fled an Anna Maria duplex as it filled with smoke from a smoldering fire in the wall Nov. 16. Full Story... SandTastic week: SandBlast features fundraising, friendly competition By Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter The sand sculpting on the beach last week for SandBlast 2007 caused some to reflect upon great works. Full Story... Anna Maria still waiting for DCA reply to comp plan By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter One has to admire Anna Maria city commissioners for their patience. Full Story... I swear Newly elected Anna Maria City Commissioners John Quam, Dale Woodland and Christine Tollette were sworn into office at the commission's organizational meeting Nov. 15. Quam, who was elected to his fourth term, was also re-elected by his colleagues as the commission chairman, while Tollette, who gained her second term in office, was re-elected as the commission's deputy chairperson. Woodland was sworn in to his third consecutive term in office. All commission terms are for two years. Islander Photo: Rick Catlin In office For the first time in recent history, the entire Bradenton Beach City Commission participated in a swearing-in ceremony Monday, officiated by Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Bob Sweat. Taking office for mayor is former Commissioner Michael Pierce, who defeated City Commissioner Bill Shearon in the Nov. 6 election. For a two-year return to office is Ward 1 City Commissioner John Shaughnessy, as well as Ward 3 City Commissioner Janie Robertson. Filling out a one-year term of office, the seat vacated by Pierce, is Ward 2 newcomer Bob Conners. A familiar face is back in the Ward 4 seat for the one-year term vacated by Shearon: former Mayor John Chappie, who was term-limited as mayor. Pictured, from left, are Shaughnessy, Pierce, Sweat, Robertson, Connors and Chappie. Islander Photo: Paul Roat HB commissioners take oath of office Incumbents David Zaccagnino, Pat Geyer and Pat Morton took their oaths of office as newly elected Holmes Beach city commissioners Monday, Nov. 19, at city hall. The three ran unopposed for two-year terms on the board. After the swearing in, an organizational meeting took place, during which the commission re-elected Sandy Haas-Martens as chair and John Monetti as vice chair. Islander Photos: Lisa Neff Committee walks Anna Maria business district By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter In an effort to get a first-hand look at what locations in Anna Maria’s business district might be suitable for landscaping measures or trolley shelters, the members of the transportation grant enhancement committee participated in a “walking” meeting Nov. 12 along Pine Avenue and Gulf Drive. Full Story... Bridge future: clear but cloudy By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter The future of the Anna Maria Island Bridge renovation project appears clear, according to representatives of the Florida Department of Transportation, elected officials and business leaders involved in the DOT's recent about-face on closing the bridge in April for the project. Full Story... Coast Guard prepping for bridge rehab By Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter The Coast Guard last week signaled that the federal agency already is working with state and local officials to reduce traffic congestion during next year’s Anna Maria Island Bridge rehab. Full Story... Center ready to have an affair By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter With the newly built Anna Maria Island Community Center now open, members of the Center’s executive committee held their first meeting at the revitalized facility and executive director Pierrette Kelly took the time to thank the board for its work the past six years in turning a dream into a reality. Full Story... Demolition work begins at church By Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter A seven-member demolition team last week began tearing down the 50-year-old former chapel and library buildings at the Crosspointe Fellowship in Holmes Beach. Full Story... City OKs rezone for LaPensee By Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter Holmes Beach City Commissioners Nov. 13 approved a request from LaPensee Plumbing to rezone 401 Manatee Ave. Full Story... Center to host fun day Anna Maria Island Community Center supporters Chuck and Joey Lester and The Islander newspaper will sponsor the Lester Family Fun Day at the Center 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1. Full Story... Palma Sola project to be scaled back By Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter The group tasked with beautifying and protecting the Palma Sola Scenic Highway Corridor learned last week that a plan to plant hundreds of trees along the causeway must be scaled back. Full Story... Fire commission to push home sprinklers By Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter Kurt Lathrop uses statistics to persuade people that putting sprinkler systems in homes is a good idea. Full Story...