Top Stories this week: Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2004 Anna Maria reluctantly agrees to Perico mediation Faced with the insurmountable task of either approving the Perico mediation agreement or continuing the legal battle alone against the planned Arvida-St. Joe Co. 686-unit condominium project, Anna Maria city commissioners were given little choice at their Nov. 18 meeting. Full Story... Tree removal slated for AME next week, construction under way By Diana Bogan. Islander Reporter The Anna Maria Elementary School construction is under way and more trees are scheduled to be removed early next week. Full Story... BIEO upset with von Hahmann, county charter proposal By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Island politicians at their Nov. 17 Barrier Island Elected Officials meeting vowed to fight any Manatee County Commission proposal for a charter government that would take away their home rule. Full Story... St. Armands trolley expansion suggested; new Island buses in works By Paul Roat. Islander Reporter Regarding the trolley bus service on Anna Maria Island, there is: Good news. Nail-biting news. Full Story... County applies for emergency beach renourishment By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Manatee County officials have told the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers that they intend to file an application for emergency beach renourishment of Anna Maria Island following the loss of beach from the four hurricanes that struck Florida in August and September. Full Story... Bennett to fire district: Time to consolidate By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter State Senator Mike Bennett has told the West Manatee Fire & Rescue District that it's time to talk consolidation among Manatee County fire districts as a means of saving money - and finding enough funds and personnel to meet the state's "two-in, two-out rule" for firefighters at the scene of a structural blaze. Full Story...