Top Stories this week: Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2005 'Imagine 'Whirled' Peace' encompasses AME Students gathered on the bayfront Anna Maria Elementary School to form a peace symbol while School Resource Officer Pete Lannon snapped photos from the right seat as AME parent David Siegal flew his Cessna over the school to capture photos for International Peace Day. Students made pinwheels to symbolize their wishes of peace to be spread around the world by the wind. AME was among 1,200 schools participating in the Pinwheels for Peace event. Click to enlarge. Islander Photo: Diana Bogan Budget, Budget, Budget By Rick Catlin and Paul Roat After seven meetings, Anna Maria at last has a budget for the 2005-06 fiscal year at the same 2.0 millage rate as last year. Commissioners at their Sept. 21 budget hearing approved a $2.23 million budget for the 2005-06 fiscal year. Full Story... AME's busy October calendar By Diana Bogan. Islander Reporter Anna Maria Elementary School has several events happening in October, so get ready to mark your calendar. Full Story... At last, an Anna Maria parking plan, but exceptions granted By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter It may have taken more than 80 years of parking problems, and at least 30 years of city commission meetings on the issue, but Anna Maria now has a parking plan, at least for the next two years. Full Story... No 'races' on ballot this year in Bradenton Beach By Paul Roat. Islander Reporter Call it election by acclamation. Or by apathy. Full Story... City yanks Rosa del Mar permit By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Bradenton Beach Building Official Ed Mc Adam has voided the building permit for the 14-unit Rosa del Mar condominium project on Gulf Drive, claiming that work on the property has been abandoned for more than six months. Full Story... Whitmore to Anna Maria: 'Pay your fair share' By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Stung by recent comments from certain Anna Maria residents and commissioners that they didn't like Holmes Beach Mayor Carol Whitmore coming to their city to "influence" the city commission's vote on the consolidation referendum, Whitmore is striking back. Full Story... Red tide outbreak intensifies off Island The nagging red tide outbreak that has plagued Southwest Florida for months flared up again over the weekend. Full Story... Trolley expansion funding sliced this year Federal funding to expand the Manatee Trolley system to Longboat Key, Lido and downtown Sarasota is not forthcoming this year. Full Story...