Top Stories this week: Wednesday, March 12, 2008 The National Weather Service issued high surf advisories warning of strong west and northwest winds creating hazardous conditions for Anna Maria Island on March 8. Such notices sent a couple of surfers out to ride the waves in the Gulf near the Sandbar Restaurant in Anna Maria. Islander Passion National Pastime of Baseball and Beaches: Venues fraw springtme crowds by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter Marcia and Bruce Pippen began making the March trip to Anna Maria Island seven years ago for different reasons. Click here to download the full illustrated story (6.1Mb)... Anna Maria P&Z recommends Center communications by Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter If Anna Maria residents complain loud and long enough about the Anna Maria Island Community Center to generate a series of public meetings, some heated debate, countless city staff hours devoted to paperwork and a change to the city’s public recreation ordinance, imagine if the complaint was about holiday decorations at Christmas? Full Story... Anna Maria building official lobbies for full-time job by Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter While wireless communications provider NextG Networks of Virginia has not yet submitted a formal application to any Island city to build a cell tower, company executive Robert Delsman said NextG is near to signing a contract with a carrier to provide wireless communications on Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key. Full Story... Commission to review cellular proposal The Holmes Beach City Commission was expected to discuss a proposal for the installation of a new system of cellular antennas at its Tuesday, March 11, meeting. Full Story... Press IDs requested in Bradenton Beach by Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter City officials in Bradenton Beach last week issued an edict that members of the media wear name badges to meetings so they can readily be identified. Full Story... Bates' dismissal revoked by grievance board by Paul Roat A public works employee in Bradenton Beach was judged of having an error in behavior but that error was not egregious enough to cause his dismissal. Full Story... Brighter on Bridge Street, dimmer along the beach? by Paul Roat It should be a whole lot brighter on Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach soon. Full Story... Island Democratic Club turns 15 by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter The Anna Maria Island Democratic Club is engaged in a campaign this election year. Full Story... It's about the message, or is it the messenger? As journalists and news professionals, we gotta scratch our heads. Like the empty womanizing character in the movie “Alfie,” Michael Caine in 1966 and Jude Law in 2004 playing Alfie Elkins, we gotta wonder, “What’s it all about?” Full Story... Hold remains on Holmes Beach building permits by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter Holmes Beach continues to turn away applications for building permits in the floodplain while the city’s ordinance governing such construction gets an update. Full Story... ManaSota-88 seeks development moratorium by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter A regional environmental group wants Manatee County commissioners to implement a temporary development moratorium in coastal zones. Full Story... Criminal mischief-makers hit Holmes Beach by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter The Holmes Beach Police Department recorded eight incidents of criminal mischief late Feb. 29 and early March 1 in the downtown area. Full Story... Pitchin' and playin' Horseshoes get tossed at 9 a.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays in the pits at Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. For more information call 941-708-6130 or simply show up at about 8:45 a.m. on play day. Islander Photos: Nancy Ambrose Judge says 'no' to Bradenton Beach fee request by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter A Manatee County Circuit Court judge last week issued an order denying a motion from the city of Bradenton Beach to claim more than $50,000 in legal fees from The Islander newspaper. Full Story... Boat ramp work begins by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter Palma Sola Causeway walkers watched and wondered last week as a workers began building a boat ramp on the southwest section of beach. Full Story... Depositions collected in shooting case by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter Attorneys involved in the case of the man accused of shooting Island businessperson Sue Normand collected depositions from potential witnesses last week. Full Story...