Top Stories this week: Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2006 West Manatee Firefighter-Paramedic John Stump and Lt. Tom Owen, along with arson dog Laurel and participant Forrest Gump, display the plaque honoring pets and their owners who donated to the Big Breath, and Bark oxygen mask program undertaken by the ManaTEEN Club. Islander Photo: Bonner Joy Pets get own emergency oxygen masks By Jim Hanson. Islander Reporter Dogs and cats will have a much better chance of surviving smoke inhalation on the Island, thanks to teenagers at Manatee High School. Full Story... Verizon still planning cell tower for Anna Maria By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Although Verizon Inc. has made no official application for a personal wireless services facility - commonly known as a cell tower - in Anna Maria, the plan is not dead, according to attorney Laura Bellflower, who represents Verizon. Full Story... Island home inventory climbing, but market still strong By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Despite record levels of single-family homes, condominiums and duplexes for sale on Anna Maria Island, the market is still strong and people are still buying, Island real estate agents say, although prices may be leveling off. Full Story... Expansion of public works eyed in Bradenton Beach By Paul Roat. Islander Reporter Bradenton Beach may be growing a little, and it's not just by "leaps and bounds," although expanding the city line into the surrounding waters has been discussed. Full Story... Commissioner fined in road rage incident By Paul Roat. Islander Reporter A Bradenton Beach city commissioner has been levied $2,000 for what has been described as a "road rage" incident shortly after she took office in 2003. Full Story... No answers on beach renourishment future By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Nearly two months after Goodloe Marine halted the Island's beach renourishment project, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers still has no idea when the project will resume, what to do with the pipes and equipment currently clogging the beach south of the Manatee Public Beach, or even if Goodloe will be allowed to continue the project. Full Story... Crosswalk makeover A crew from Accurate Asphalt Maintenance in Sarasota was in Holmes Beach last week installing a system resembling paver bricks at pedestrian crossings to make it easier for motorists and pedestrians to recognize the marked crosswalks. Police Chief Jay Romine said the crosswalks are the first step in a number of 'traffic-calming' measures that could include another signal light on Marina Drive. Holmes Beach Public Works staff and the police department assisted with the installation. Islander Photo: Bonner Joy New marina may go on market By Jim Hanson. Islander Reporter Bob Gertz thought he'd be in the marina business, spending a million and a half dollars and a year and a half of stressful time on it, but now he's not sure he'll stay there. Full Story...