Top Stories this week: Wednesday, July 2, 2008 Illegal Cherry bombs, M-80s, string firecrackers, Roman candles and anything that can explode such as these fireworks found at a local supermarket are illegal to set off in Manatee County without a permit. Islander Photos: Rick Catlin Inset: Legal Fireworks such as sparklers and "flower" sparks shown in the picture are the only legal devices that can be set off in Manatee County without a permit, the Manatee County Sheriff's Office said last week. July 4 warning: Illegal fireworks will be confiscated by Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Islanders and Island visitors who have long looked to the July 4 holiday to shoot off fireworks on Anna Maria Island beaches should think twice this year before setting off any such devices. Full Story... Anna Maria Island Bridge rehab continues by Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter The latest press release from the Florida Department of Transportation on its $9.2 million Anna Maria Island Bridge rehabilitation project indicates all work is on schedule for a 45-day closure of the bridge to vehicular traffic beginning Sept. 29. Full Story... Committee to review CRA structure by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter Expanding the Bradenton Beach community redevelopment agency will likely be the first issue an advisory group on the CRA will address. Full Story... Former Islander volunteers to shoot mermaid calendar by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter Former Islander Andrew Brusso published his first photograph at the age of 10 and worked for his hometown paper, The Islander, through his mentor Gene Page III. Full Story... Commission chair holds Island meet Manatee County Commission Chair Jane von Hahmann, who represents Anna Maria Island, will hold a “State of the County” talk July 9. Full Story... Bradenton Beach election qualifying closes July 3 The qualifying period for two city commission seats in Bradenton Beach closes at noon July 3. Full Story... Voter registration open for August primary Voter registration is open for the Aug. 26 primary until July 28, the traditional 29 days before an election. Full Story... Man pleads not guilty in netting arrest by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter An Apollo Beach man has entered a not guilty plea to illegal fishing charges in Manatee County Court. Full Story... Holmes Beach preserve, parks take shape by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter Kayakers linger under the mangroves, searching the shore for the bright eyes of raccoons and searching the clear water for sparkling fish. Full Story... Alleged shooter faces August trial date The man accused of shooting Island businessperson Sue Normand is facing a trial in early August. Full Story... Money routed to Island via DOT projects Anna Maria Island fared fairly well in the projected five-year transportation work plan unanimously approved by regional planners. Full Story... Longboat Key trolley stop map doesn't exist by Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Longboat Key residents looking to try the new Sarasota County Area Transit-Manatee County Area Transit trolley service from Coquina Beach to downtown Sarasota might have difficulty trying to find a map of trolley stop locations. There isn’t one, according to SCAT officials. Full Story... Third weekly winner: Top Notch 'Green burst' Suki Janisch of Holmes Beach is the third winner in the newspaper’s six-week-long Top Notch contest, winning front page placement for the photo and an Islander newspaper “more-than-a-mullet wrapper” T-shirt. The entry - a photograph of a palm frond in the Florida Keys - will go into a pool of weekly winners eligible for the grand prize of $100 from the newspaper and a bevy of gift certificates and other prizes from Islander advertisers. from Islander advertisers