Top Stories this week: Wednesday, Feb. 9, 2005 Big 'Casino Night' winners, excitement Winner of the prize drawing of a "super" slot machine at the Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island's "Casino Night Estravaganza" was Don Nelson, and he quickly made a gift of his prize to friends Jeff and Ilona Kenrick, who apparently have the appropriate "game room" at their home in Holmes Beach. Left to right, Jeff, Don's guest, Ritchie Taylor, Ilona and Don. Rotary's early report on the evening's proceeds, which included revenue from ticket sales and auction items, was $20,000. "We are definitely over last year's results," said Rotary president Steve Schlueter. Islander Photo: Bonner Joy Sandbar site plan continued By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter After more than three hours of debate, discussion, argument, accusations, objections and occasionally some actual information on the proposed Sandbar restaurant site plan at its Feb. 7 meeting, the Anna Maria planning and zoning board decided it needed the opinion of a professional planner on the merits of the application before it could render a decision. The meeting was continued to March 21 to enable a professional review of the application. Full Story... Arvida looking for Island property By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Island residents, particularly along the Gulf in Holmes Beach, could one day have an unwanted new neighbor. The Arvida-St. Joe Co. is apparently set on finding some suitable Island property to complement its upcoming Perico Island condominium project, and once asked Tidemark managing partner Nick Easterling about buying that Holmes Beach property. Full Story... Beachfront duplexes OK'd via court order By Paul Roat. Islander Reporter With a gulp and little other comment, Bradenton Beach city commissioners at a meeting last week approved two Gulffront duplexes in the 1400 block of Gulf Drive which the city had been fighting in court for almost five years. Full Story... Cortez eyes wildlife center on Preserve By Jim Hanson. Islander Reporter Making a permanent home for distressed wildlife while filling in some blanks in the FISH Preserve is the goal of the 2005 Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival next week. Full Story... Lawyers argue lawsuit against Holmes Beach Attorneys for all sides in a lawsuit filed by Holmes Beach property owners Ruth McLean and Barbara Coloney against a board of adjustment approval of a lot-width variance pleaded their cases Feb. 2 before Circuit Court Judge Marc Gilner. Full Story... Tidemark back in court By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter The Tidemark hotel/condo/marina project in Holmes Beach may have to wait another six weeks before getting the "all clear" to proceed with construction. Full Story...