Top Stories - This Week: Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2003 Gal pals By Paul Roat. Islander Reporter Historical, political, athletic and pop culture figures past and present had the opportunity to "meet and greet" at the Anna Maria Elementary School fifth-grade "Biographers Tea." Here Nicole Botero as Cleopatra, Molly Slicker as Lucille Ball, and Kristi Wickersham as Princess Diana exchange autographs. Islander Photo: Diana Bogan Click on image to enlarge Budget changes belong to mayor By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter An effort by Anna Maria Commissioner Dale Woodland to form a committee to revise the format in which the annual budget is presented fell flat when Commission Chairperson John Quam and other commissioners at the Feb. 12 workshop agreed it was an administrative, not commission, matter. Full Story... Arvida fate may rest with DCA By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter The future of the Arvida Corporation's planned 898-unit condominium project on Perico Island may rest with the Florida Department of Community Affairs. Full Story... Bradenton Beach comp plan committee starts its trek By Paul Roat. Islander Reporter The long, lonely process of reviewing, revising or retaining the long-term growth plan of Bradenton Beach has begun. Full Story... Cortez activist worried about real estate boom By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Real estate prices in Cortez have been gradually creeping up, and some local real estate experts say the day is not too far off when Cortez real estate values, like Anna Maria Island's already, start to boom, if they haven't already. Full Story... Cortez fishing festival this weekend By Jim Hanson. Islander Reporter For an historic village celebrating its heritage this weekend, there's quite a bit new for the Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival. Full Story... Kabris rezoning request denied By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter The Holmes Beach City Commission agreed at its Feb. 10 meeting that Patrick and Angela Kabris of 101 75th St. have a unique piece of property. A portion is zoned R-2 (medium-density residential), while a second parcel is zoned R-1 for private recreational purposes. Full Story...

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