Top Stories this week: Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2008 The Privateers lead the parade! The Anna Maria Island Privateers lead the way, and Santa arrives in the traditional manner, at the rear of the Privateers Christmas Parade, to the delight of youngsters at the Dec. 13 event. And, as is tradition, they follow Santa to the Privateers' holiday party at the parades' end at Coquina Beach for presents, personal visits with Santa and refreshments. Islander Photo: Bonner Joy Anna Maria artist, cyclist faces code violation by Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Artist and former Anna Maria city commission candidate Mark Alonso has been issued a code violation notice by code enforcement officer Gerry Rathvon. Full Story... Renourishment will not include Anna Maria bayside by Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Some Anna Maria residents have questioned why the beach area in front of several homes on North Shore Drive will not be included in Manatee County’s next beach renourishment project. Full Story... City pier restaurant wants lower rent Anna Maria city pier restaurant owner Mario Schoenfelder, who leases the operation from the city for $8,115.12 per month, told Mayor Fran Barford he wants the commission to discuss lower payments. Full Story... City, owners settle marina dispute by Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter The city of Anna Maria and Jack and Evelyn Fiske reached a settlement moments before the long-standing case was to be heard by the code enforcement board Dec. 11. Full Story... Man injured in Sunday night crash An 18-year-old man was taken to the hospital by medical helicopter after an accident on Manatee Avenue on Perico Island near the Anna Maria Island Bridge Dec. 14. Full Story... Park site of launch party by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter Bradenton Beach residents endorsed, with some caveats, the concept of creating a kayak launch at Herb Dolan Park. Full Story... Chiles endowment raid proposed to balance state budget by Paul Roat Florida lawmakers have set their eyes on raiding a fund established by the late Gov. Lawton Chiles dedicated to assisting elderly people and children as a means to balance dwindling state revenues. Full Story... DOT plans Gulf Drive resurfacing next year by Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Island motorists already used to traffic delays for bridge renovations, installation of water, sewer and gas lines and reconfigurations of intersections can expect more of the same if the Florida Department of Transportation starts a $5.6 million resurfacing of State Road 789 beginning in 2009. Full Story... Investigations continue in disappearance, fire by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter Investigators seeking to solve the disappearance of a Holmes Beach resident and a fire at her motel say they are making progress. Full Story... Commission seeks consensus on Agnelli office by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter Holmes Beach commissioners seek to build a compromise to allow for a contractor’s office to exist at a former funeral home. Full Story... HB commission steps back from Sandpiper issue by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter The Holmes Beach City Commission agreed not to pursue concerns with the Bradenton Beach City Commission’s decision to issue a quitclaim deed for unimproved 27th Street to the Sandpiper Resort Co-op. Full Story... Holiday celebrated Islandwide by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter Islanders celebrated the season of joy from morning to night Dec. 13. Full Story...