Top Stories this week: Wednesday, July. 27, 2005 No swim warning Flags at Coquina Beach last week spelled out the message that bathers are prohibited from entering the water. Islander Photo: Rick Catlin Click image to enlarge Coquina closed because of foul water - reopens By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Coquina Beach was closed to swimmers for two days last week because of concerns about high levels of potentially harmful bacteria in the waters, but reopened late Friday after test results showed acceptable bacteria levels. Full Story... Dennis was a menace By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Residents along the bay side of North Shore Drive in Anna Maria are wondering what happened to their beach after Hurricane Dennis churned through the Gulf of Mexico recently, just a few hundred miles offshore. Full Story... Community Center gets first go from city By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Anna Maria city commissioners gave the "preliminary" go-ahead sign at their July 21 meeting to the Anna Maria Island Community Center to proceed with expansion plans, at the same time granting the Center three variances that coincide with the plan. Full Story... Island real estate still booming Island real estate agents are still smiling as the sales boom - and accompanying property value increase - that began post-Sept. 11 continues on Anna Maria Island. Full Story... Bradenton Beach pier plans presented By Paul Roat. Islander Reporter Architectural plans featuring a more boater-friendly Bradenton Beach City Pier have been presented to the city commission and will be the topic of discussion Thursday. Full Story... Draft consolidation referendum heads to Island city commissions By Rick Catlin<. Islander Reporter To be or not to be, that is the question. Or, as the Coalition of Barrier Island Elected Officials said at its July 20 meeting, to go forward with consolidation or not, that is the question. Full Story... Top Notch Weekly Contest Winner TOP NOTCH: ' Day's End' fifth weekly winner This spectacular sunset at the Manatee Public Beach fishing pier was captured by Donald Steffen of Palma Sola, Bradenton. He will receive a "More Than a Mullet Wrapper" Islander T-shirt, a bottle of wine from Anna Maria Island Liquor & Wine and a lunch certificate from Minnie's Beach Cafe. The photo will go into a pool with other weekly winners eligible for the contest grand-prize package, including $100 from The Islander, a $50 gift certificate from Mister Robert's Resortwear, a premium bottle of champagne from Time Saver, dinner for two at either the Sandbar, BeachHouse or MarVista, and framing of their winning entry from Decor Gallery and Framing. Full Story...