Top Stories this week on Anna Maria Island: Wednesday, March 11, 2009 With the recent arrival of warm weather, the Manatee Public Beach has been a popular attraction for beach volleyball players and sun worshippers. Islander Photo: Rick Catlin Season great, almost 'no vacancy' by Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Anna Maria Island’s winter tourist season got off to a great start in December and January, as occupancy of Island accommodation units were up compared with the same months last year. Full Story... Boil water notice rescinded The Manatee County Utilities Department on March 5 rescinded a precautionary boil water notice to Anna Maria residents living from Willow Avenue north to Bean Point to boil any drinking or cooking water. Full Story... 5 AME students ousted for illegal drug deals by Bonner Joy There were tears and concerns, shocks and gasps, and rumors put to rest at a Friday night meeting called by Anna Maria Elementary School principal Tom Levengood of fifth-grade students’ parents. Full Story... Bridge rehab costs now at $11.5 million by Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Rehabilitation of the Anna Maria Island Bridge started in 2007 as a $9.1 million project. Full Story... Correct daily spending average to $80 The story in the March 4 issue about the Research Data Survey on tourism done for the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau contained an error on average visitor spending. Full Story... City readies for Gulf Drive project by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter Bradenton Beach staff and elected officials are giving a last review to a proposal for $700,000 in improvements along Gulf Drive. Full Story... City staff, officials get 'Sunshine' lesson by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter Bradenton Beach elected officials and appointed board members gathered indoors Feb. 26 for a session in the sunshine. Full Story... Cramer home invasion trial scheduled March 23 The trial of two men charged in the April 17, 2008, Anna Maria home invasion involving former Anna Maria City Commissioner Linda Cramer is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. March 23 at the Manatee County Judicial Center. Full Story... Federal funds come pouring to region, Island by Paul Roat Federal transportation stimulus funds aimed at kick-starting the economy have trickled down to Anna Maria Island to the tune of nearly $1.7 million. Full Story... Four months pass in missing woman case by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter Two cases, two defendants, but still authorities have two unsolved mysteries. Full Story... Holmes Beach seeks share from stimulus pot by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter Holmes Beach city officials have a wish list of possible projects to fund from the massive federal stimulus package approved by Congress. Full Story... County approves new Manatee Public Beach pier By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Holmes Beach is going to get a new public pier. Full Story... St. Patrick's Day events planned by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter One island has the Gulf to the west and Anna Maria Sound to the east. Full Story...