Top Stories this week: Wednesday, September 3, 2008 Photographs demonstrate the impact of Hurricane Gustav on Anna Maria Island. Islander Photos: Lisa Neff and Bonner Joy Gustav makes waves for Island on path for La. by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter The outer bands of Hurricane Gustav brought heavy rain, strong winds, big waves, dense clouds and some damage to Anna Maria Island Aug. 31. Full Story... Last-minute pitch to halt stormwater fee fails by Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter After more than three years of discussions and 10 public hearings dating back to May 2007, Anna Maria city commissioners were more than ready at Aug. 28 to adopt a stormwater utility fee. Full Story... Newspaper not giving up on bridge closure dates by Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Islander newspaper editor and publisher Bonner Joy has not ended efforts to get the Florida Department of Transportation to change its closure plans for the Anna Maria Island Bridge rehabilitation project, despite several previous rejections by the DOT. Full Story... Night-time lane closure Sept. 4 on AMI Bridge The Florida Department of Transportation and contractor Quinn Construction Co. are scheduled to close one lane of traffic on the Anna Maria Island Bridge from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 4. Full Story... Bridge will open for emergencies Residents of the north half of Anna Maria Island need not worry about a hurricane evacuation limited to just the Cortez Bridge during the 45 days the Anna Maria Island Bridge is closed. Full Story... Island tourism continues upward trend by Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Anna Maria Island's tourism climb this year continued in July as the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau reported occupancy of Island accommodation units increased 1.4 percent from the same month in 2007. Full Story... Unknown shark warning A person or persons unknown posted this sign Aug. 28 at the 77th Street beach access in Holmes Beach. Chief Jay Moyles of Manatee County Marine Rescue said he's had no reports of any large sharks in the area, but he planned to advise lifeguards at Manatee Public Beach to be watchful. He was also planning to contact the Manatee County Sheriff?s Office helicopter for a report of any activity offshore in the 77th Street area during the next flyover. Islander Photos: Lisa Williams City to host 'green' workshop by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter Bradenton Beach commissioners this week will review plans for the city to host a workshop on promoting environmentally friendly business practices. Full Story... 3 face misdemeanor charges in sex sting Manatee County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested three men on Aug. 28 for alleged sexual acts in areas along the Palma Sola Causeway. Full Story... Attorney refiles for dismissal in blown-kiss case An attorney again is seeking the dismissal of a felony charge against a teenager arrested in connection with an alleged scuffle with a police officer on Coquina Beach. Full Story... DOT working to get closure route ready by Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter The Florida Department of Transportation has been working on improvements to the Gulf Drive-Cortez Road intersection to ease the flow of traffic during the 45-day closure of the Anna Maria Island Bridge that starts Sept. 29. Full Story... Homicide victim's personal possessions found by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter Holmes Beach police have recovered personal property officers believe belonged to Carla Beard, found slain in the city Dec. 1, 2007. Full Story... Comp plan changes on September agenda by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter Tropical Storm Fay was a non-event weather-wise, but the storm did interrupt Island business, including the Holmes Beach city commission meeting of Aug. 19. Full Story... Free trolley ride for advertisers end The Manatee County Area Transit ended its free advertising program on the Island trolley last week and has implemented a rate structure for advertisers. Full Story...