Top Stories this week: Wednesday, May 9, 2007 Facelift The Anna Maria Island Bridge will undergo a major rehabilitation project starting next year, according to the Florida Department of Transportation. Islander Photo: Rick Catlin DOT plans massive Anna Maria bridge rehab By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter When Islanders won the battle 10 years ago with the Florida Department of Transportation to save the Anna Maria Island Bridge, DOT officials promised that one day they'd have to return with a major project to keep the bridge operationally sound, a project that would likely cause Islanders and Island visitors a considerable amount of inconvenience. Full Story... STOP plans protest at Anna Maria commission meeting By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Members of the Stop Taking Our Pines organization plan to attend the May 10 Anna Maria City Commission in force to ask that the city halt removal of Australian pines from city property. Full Story... Island real estate: improving, but not yet great By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Many Island real estate agents are happy to report that sales during the past winter season, after all was said and done, were better than last year. Full Story... Tax issue to special session As expected, the Florida Legislature failed to act on Florida's pressing property tax issues at the session that ended May 4 and scheduled a special legislative session in June to deal with the problem. Full Story... Bradenton Beach pier costs again rise By Paul Roat The latest figures are in on changes to the Historic Bradenton Beach City Pier, and costs are now pegged at $1,873,536. Full Story... 'Sunshine' lawsuit against Bradenton Beach stalled By Paul Roat In response to the lawsuit filed by The Islander newspaper against the city of Bradenton Beach seeking public records, Circuit Judge Peter Dubensky entered an order directing Bradenton Beach to show cause why the court should not grant the relief requested in The Islander's complaint. Full Story... Mexican holiday celebrated peacefully at Coquina By Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter Early on Saturday at Coquina Beach there was a sense of anxiety, like Amity Island awaiting an attack - of a shooter, not a shark. Full Story... Pines, piers, parks, oh my Oh the tears, and oh the hard decisions. Who envisioned so many more folks living on Anna Maria Island than used to in the 1950s-70s when it was developing AND who then thought so many people would come to enjoy our recreational opportunities? Full Story... GSR proposes the end By Rick Catlin, Islander Reporter GSR Development LLC wants to close its doors forever. Full Story... Commission faces resolution to benefit officer The city commission was set this week to take up a resolution extending medical benefits for ailing Holmes Beach Police Officer Pete Lannon. Full Story... Insurance: No rate increase for Citizens before 2009 By Molly McCartney. Islander Reporter The news from Tallahassee sounds good for Anna Maria Island property owners: Full Story... Battery charges levied in Holmes Beach By Mike Quinn. NewManatee.com Publisher Special to The Islander James K. Williams, 51, a cook at Shells restaurant on East Bay Drive in Holmes Beach, was arrested for battery on another individual on the beach May 1. Full Story... Pollock case continued A non-jury trial on misdemeanor charges that an Island man aided a juvenile runaway has been continued to later this month. Full Story... Lawmakers OK impact fee hike for fire district The Florida Legislature passed legislation authorizing the West Manatee Fire Rescue District to increase impact fees on new construction. Full Story... Top Notch: First weekly winner also 2006 grand prize winner The grand prize winner from among six weekly award-winning photos in the 2006 "Top Notch" Islander photo contest is 'Hermit' by Kim Klement of Bradenton. Her shot was the first winner on June 28 and was taken at Andros Island in the Bahamas in May. She can claim her grand prize, including $100 from The Islander, a dining certificate from Ooh La La! Bistro, a bottle of champagne from Anna Maria Island Liquor and Wine, dinner for two at a Chiles Group Restaurant and framing of the winning photo by Decor and More. Congratulations to all the winners - and be watching next week for our featured runnersup.