Top Stories - This Week: Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2004 Pure Cortez Native Cortezian Donald Fulford and his "fine as kine" smoked mullet are both as Cortez as it gets. He offered his mullet - which was a sellout - at the Cortez Fishing Festival over the past weekend, when some 20,000 people visited the tiny village of Cortez to celebrate its heritage and raise funds to finalize the purchase of the FISH Preserve, a buffer against development for the village. More inside, pages 20-21. Islander Photo: Bonner Joy Click on image to enlarge 'Early release' for Bradenton Beach Code Enforcement Officer By Paul Roat. Islander Reporter Bradenton Beach Code Enforcement Officer Dawn Betts received three days paid leave before her intended last day of work Feb. 25 from the city commission last week. Full Story... DOT begins six-month Island traffic study By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter The Coalition of Barrier Island Elected Officials got some good news at its Feb. 18 meeting in Anna Maria. Full Story... Bongo's rezone request going to council A request to rezone the land where Bongos restaurant is located on the Palma Sola Causeway has been approved in modified form by the Bradenton Planning Commission and now goes to the city council for decision March 10. Full Story... Davis variance approved, but more legal battles loom for Holmes Beach By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter In what may have given Holmes Beach residents a sneak preview of future courtroom battles over the same issue, lawyers on both sides of the Frank Davis lot-width variance request sparred, dueled, jabbed and traded verbal accusations during a two-hour hearing before the board of adjustment Feb. 18. Full Story... Island Middle School faces possible budget cuts By Diana Bogan. Islander Reporter The Island Middle School board of directors faced news this week that the school's operating budget is dwindling. The budgetary bottom line presented by accountant Julie Krokroskia at the board's Feb. 17 meeting shows IMS is $27,000 "in the hole." Full Story...

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