Top Stories this week: Wednesday, June 20, 2007 Second weekly winner: Top notch crabby dog! Tom Thomas of Holmes Beach took this photo of Taylor, a 2½-year-old Labrador retriever, while at the sandbar east of the Longboat Pass Bridge. "Taylor," he says, "loves to chase crabs." Thomas is the second winner of six weeks of Top Notch, including front page for his photo and an Islander newspaper "more-than-a-mullet wrapper" T-shirt. Her entry will go into the pool of weekly winners to be eligible for the grand prize of $100 from the newspaper and a bevy of gift certificates and prizes from Islander advertisers. Anna Maria comp plan, FLUM likely face legal challenges By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Forgive the owners of the property on the northwest corner of Pine Avenue and Bay Boulevard in Anna Maria if they feel like a used tennis ball. Since the city began revising its comprehensive plan and future land-use map four years ago, discussion on the land-use designation on their property has been bounced back and forth more times than a Roger Federer - Andre Agassi match point. Full Story... Storm water fee a 'bad investment' says Woodland By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter The Anna Maria city commissioner who two years ago spearheaded the idea of a stormwater utility fee as a method of financing drainage improvements in the city now says the whole concept is a "bad investment," and further discussion is a "waste of time." Full Story... Another change order approved for pier in Bradenton Beach The latest in a series of change orders for construction of the Historic Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach was approved last week. Full Story... Best-kept secret? The signage at the entrance of Bradenton Beach at Gulf Drive and Cortez Road does indeed have words on its beach-side, offering visitors and residents a suggestion to come back to the city and thanking them for coming to the Island. Islander Photo: Paul Roat Pavilion proposed for Coquina Beach Founders and "friends" of Legacy Inc., a non-profit company created by Island residents, have proposed a 2,500-seat performing arts pavilion for Coquina Beach. Full Story... County bans congregating in beach parking lots By Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter Manatee County commissioners voted June 12 to ban congregating in parking lots at county beaches and parks. Full Story... Coquina Beach Trail construction mostly done After some hurdles, the Coquina Beach Trail on the west side of Gulf Drive from Fifth Street South to the base of the Longboat Bridge has been paved. The project was stalled when Florida Department of Environmental Protection officials halted work due to some tree issues. The 8-foot-wide asphalt path meanders under trees, has bollards to keep trailgoers and vehicles separated, and will have water fountains, benches, bike racks and other amenities along its length. Asphalt work was completed last week, but the project still has amenities to be added. Manatee County is funding most of the project, with some funds coming from Bradenton Beach. The trail project is expected to be completed by July 4. Also under construction at Coquina Beach are myriad bollards and a new parking design, which resulted in removal of some Australian pine trees. Islander Photo: Paul Roat Snook rule change goes into effect in July The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has approved changes to snook bag and size limits and harvest seasons. Full Story... Committee wants $3 million from GSR principals, lawyers, ex-reps By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter The Official Committee of General Unsecured Creditors for bankrupt GSR Development LLC has lashed out at the principals and former lawyers and representatives of the failed company, demanding a minimum of $3 million from those involved in the $46 million bankruptcy, claiming they operated a "conspiracy." Full Story... HB dock ordinance ready for hearing By Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter After numerous revisions, the Holmes Beach City Commission is ready to set sail with a proposed ordinance regulating mooring and docking in canals. Full Story... Tax 'relief' still quandary on Anna Maria Island By Paul Roat The Florida Legislature adjourned an abbreviated special session last week, touting as its accomplishment the biggest tax reform in state history. Gov. Charlie Crist is expected to sign the legislation to make it become law. Full Story... Bradenton Beach woman charged with drug possession A Bradenton Beach woman was arrested in Sarasota June 12 on charges of possession of crack cocaine. Full Story...