Top Stories this week: Wednesday, April. 6, 2005 Historic schoolhouse groundbreaking signals new beginning State and local dignitaries, as well as Cortez village residents, attended the groundbreaking ceremony Monday for the renovation of the historic 1912 school. Pictured, from left, are FISH President Allen Garner, architect Linda Stevenson, Manatee County Commissioner Jane von Hahmann, project manager Brian Hennessy, Manatee County Commissioner Donna Hayes, Cortez Mary Fulford Green and Fla. Rep. Bill Galvano. Islander Photo: Paul Roat Click image to enlarge Five divided by four equals five in Anna Maria By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Anna Maria residents who rejoiced following a decision by the planning and zoning board in February 2004 to reject Island Marine owner Jeff Van Hoose in his variance request to build five residential units on the property may soon be halting that celebration. The board at that time said Hoose didn't have enough square footage on each lot to build five houses, just under four. Full Story... Hurricane relief slow, but coming for Bradenton Beach By Paul Roat. Islander Reporter Call it the "check's in the mail" syndrome. Bradenton Beach officials hope that disposition on damages sustained to public property by last year's three hurricanes that impacted the Island of the four that created havoc in Florida will be finalized by the end of this week. Full Story... Groundbreaking at Cortez school draws village, applause By Paul Roat. Islander Reporter "Perserverance, as Manatee County Commissioner Jane von Hahmann put it Monday, paid off big-time as officials and Cortezians gathered for the groundbreaking ceremonies to refurbish the 1912-built schoolhouse in the village. Full Story... Trolley sets record By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter While some Islanders might think that Island roads were jammed during spring break, often causing near gridlock, the Island trolley did its part to keep vehicles off the streets - and people moving about the Island. Full Story... 'My Anna Maria Island dream vacation' - Tyler Ferrell I fished, swam, flew kites and played on the beach. I had the time of my life! We had a great place to stay at Bali Hai thanks to Al Bouzianne and we were right on the beach. I buddied with the Privateers, who let me captain their big ship and we rode all the way to the end of the Island and back again. I took my family to dinner at the Sandbar with an escort of Privateers and another night we went to the Anna Maria Oyster Bar where they insisted we all take dessert home 'cause we were too stuffed to have it there. Full Story...