Top Stories this week: Wednesday, July 26, 2006 Crash halts electricity to Bradenton Beach A car crash around 3 a.m. Tuesday, July 18, resulted in a power outage in south Bradenton Beach that lasted until late that afternoon. Longboat Key police officers were in pursuit of a vehicle that morning when it crossed the Longboat Pass Bridge and entered Bradenton Beach. Officers from that city joined the chase, but the suspect crashed his vehicle into a Florida Power and Light electrical pole before he could be stopped. While damage to the power pole was considerable, the suspect suffered only minor injuries. He was arrested for driving while intoxicated and resisting arrest and may face other charges, police said. Islander Photo: Rick Catlin Crash blocks AMI-LBK access 12 hours By Mike Quinn and Paul Roat. Islander Reporter An early morning crash into a power pole blocked traffic to and from the south end of Anna Maria Island for more than 12 hours July 18. Full Story... Anna Maria commission-mayor rift over budget By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter The growing tension between Anna Maria Mayor SueLynn and city commissioners over the proposed 2006-07 budget spilled over into a war of words last week at the July 18 budget workshop as the mayor accused the commission of "wasting" staff time and appearing bent on "slashing" many needed and long overdue projects. Full Story... Island elections: some contested, some not Former Holmes Beach mayor and current Commissioner Rich Bohnenberger will be the city’s next mayor. No other candidates qualified for the office by the July 21 deadline for the seat being vacated by Mayor Carol Whitmore, who has announced she will run for the at-large seat on the county commission. Full Story... Palma Sola Bay waters now healthy for bathers A health advisory issued last month by the Manatee County Health Department for waters on the south side of Palma Sola Causeway where it connects with the mainland has been rescinded. Full Story... Top Notch critter in the wild The fifth weekly winner in the 2006 "Top Notch" Islander photo contest is by Holly Fenstemaker of Bradenton taken of an alligator at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. Her prize is an Islander "more-than-a-mullet-wrapper" T-shirt and a certificate for Minnie's Beach Cafe, and his photo will go into the pool of six weekly winners eligible for a grand prize that includes $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.