Top Stories this week: Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2008 Concrete is poured onto the deck of the bridge, then spread by a work crew. Later the concrete was smoothed over. Traffic buildup brings hope for Island businesses by Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter If there’s ever been a time when Islanders don’t mind seeing more traffic, it could well be now and for the next three weeks. Full Story... Commission to ponder humpback bridge solution by Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter The Anna Maria City Commission at its Oct. 23 meeting will discuss potential solutions to the problems with the north approach to the humpback bridge on North Bay Boulevard that could cost the city $38,000 or more. Full Story... Detour to Paradise The Islander staff invites you to join us on a Detour to Paradise as we ride out the closure of the Anna Maria Island Bridge through Nov. 13. Full Story... Drive-time tracks Spending more time in the auto these days with the closure of the Anna Maria Island Bridge and a detour to Cortez Road? Full Story... Anna Maria low-income may get break on stormwater fee by Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Low-income residents of Anna Maria may soon find relief from paying the city’s recently adopted annual stormwater utility fee. Full Story... Plaza could be gateway to Anna Maria City Pier by Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Anna Maria’s transportation enhancement grant committee might only have $358,000 to spend in beautifying the retail-office-residential district along Pine Avenue, but it has its sights set on a plan that would make that grant money worthwhile. Full Story... Bayfest celebrates Island spirit by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter Thousands of festivalgoers turned out Oct. 18 to Bayfest for servings of Island food and politics, art and crafts, music and machines. Full Story... BB updating code enforcement rules by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter Bradenton Beach city commissioners approved the first reading of an ordinance allowing police officers to issue certain civil citations to be reviewed by a special master. Full Story... BB commission pursues dogs on path by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter Bradenton Beach city commissioners agreed last week that as they update an ordinance on beach activity, they want to allow dogs on the multi-use path running. Full Story... City pursues grant for dunes project by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter Bradenton Beach officials think they have an answer to a historically complicated question of how to best use private and public land in the 100 block of Gulf Drive North. Full Story... County to hold hearing on Cortez park Manatee County was scheduled to hold a public hearing Oct. 21 on a request to name a Cortez playfield for County Commissioner Jane von Hahmann. Full Story... Regional transportation thoughts sought at local sessions The public is invited to attend public presentations on multi-county transportation plans next month. Full Story...