Top Stories this week: Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2005 Pros build giant sandcastle celebrating Sandblast Mark Mason, one of the five-man Sandtastic team that launches the annual Sandblast event to benefit Keep Manatee Beautiful, puts finishing touches on the "Scenic Highway"-themed sandcastle that towers along Gulf Drive at the BeachHouse Restaurant in Bradenton Beach. More photos on the cover of this week's "B" section. Islander Photo: Edna Tiemann Attorney threatens Anna Maria with Bert Harris legal action By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter When Florida Legislator Bert Harris first proposed a bill 10 years ago to protect property owners from governmental actions that could threaten the future value of the property, he probably never dreamed that after the law's approval, his name would become synonymous with property rights and legal threats. Full Story... Volunteers sought for boards in Bradenton Beach Bradenton Beach is looking for a few good people to volunteer on several advisory boards. Actually, "good" is not a prerequisite - you just have to be a voter in the city, but even that isn’t necessarily required in some instances. Full Story... Captains to meet for Boat Parade A captains meeting for the Anna Maria Island lighted boat parade will be held at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 7, by the sponsoring Islander newspaper. Full Story... CART concepts to save resorts from condo conversions progressing By Paul Roat The good news is that resorts on Anna Maria Island received support on proposals to curb runaway taxes from several different fronts last week. Full Story... Sworn in Holmes Beach Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Bob Sweat, left, swore in newly elected Holmes Beach city commissioners Tuesday, Nov. 21. Next to Sweat, from left, Patrick Morton and Rich Bohnenberger both won re-election to the commission and David Zaccagnino is new to the commission. Islander Photo: Bonner Joy Month's ban on grouper proposed By Jim Hanson A one-month ban on recreational grouper fishing in federal waters has been proposed by the Gulf fishery advisory council, running closely with the commercial ban. Full Story... Beware of real estate check scam By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter European con artists are reinventing an old scam on the Island by sending a check to real estate agents for a rental deposit that is larger than the amount necessary. Full Story... Restaurant 'restitution' scam investigation continues By Paul Roat. Islander Reporter Restaurateurs who have received a letter from a polite patron who complained of becoming ill after dining at their establishment should probably NOT feel guilty and not send the patron a gift certificate. Full Story... St. Joe plans retail-office complex for Perico Harbor Marina By Paul Roat. Islander Reporter To the surprise of absolutely no one, the Bradenton Planning Commission approved a preliminary site plan by Paradise Pointe LLC, a company owned by the St. Joe Company, for a retail-office-restaurant complex at the east end of the Anna Maria Island Bridge. The St. Joe Company was formerly known as the Arvida Corporation at the time of the Perico Island property purchase and ensuring development controversy. Full Story...