Top Stories this week on Anna Maria Island: Wednesday, July 1, 2009 Stars and stripes salute Penny Frick of Bradenton is this week's winner in the newspaper's six-week-long Top Notch contest, winning front-page placement of the photo and an Islander newspaper "More-Than-A-Mullet wrapper" T-shirt. Frick's entry - a striking red, white and blue-themed photograph taken at New Pass near Mote Marine - will go into a pool of weekly winners eligible for the grand prize of $100 from the newspaper and a bevy of gift certificates and other prizes from Islander advertisers. Anna Maria approves amending non-conformities by Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Owners of non-conforming structures in Anna Maria will now be allowed to enlarge their homes or re-roof the house. Full Story... Island ready for full house this holiday weekend by Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter As Anna Maria Island tourist accommodation owners and managers look forward to the July 4 weekend with many locations already sold out or at near capacity, the summer season could be even better than last year. Full Story... Commission OKs draft harbor plan by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter Bradenton Beach commissioners approved a broad-stroke draft of a harbor management plan June 24, a week ahead of a deadline to submit the plan to the state for a preliminary review. Full Story... Coleman correction Anna Maria resident and developer Mike Coleman asked this week to clarify the story in the June 24 Islander about his application to be a member of the planning and zoning board. Full Story... Private fireworks face confiscation, ticket by Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Individuals thinking about having their own fireworks display this weekend on Anna Maria Island should think twice. Full Story... Fourth brings parade, fireworks, market by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter Anna Maria Island will celebrate July 4 with a salute to broad stripes and bright stars and with rockets’ red glare. Full Story... Holmes Beach prepares for flood-rating audit by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter Holmes Beach is working to earn some extra credit points that could earn property owners a larger discount on their flood insurance premiums. Full Story... Sand shifting A work crew removes sand, part of a routine maintenance schedule, June 26 at the boat ramp on the Palma Sola Causeway, according to Seth Kohn of the city of Bradenton. The ramp and an adjacent parking lot at the southeast end of the causeway beach opened June 1. Islander Photo: Bonner Joy Pipeline project may aid renourishment by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter A local beach renourishment project may take place several years ahead of schedule under a new proposal for a natural gas pipeline. Full Story... Formal charges pending against burglary suspects by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter Formal charges are still pending against two men accused of committing a series of local burglaries this spring. Full Story... Holmes Beach man faces child sexual battery charge by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter A Holmes Beach man faces a charge of sexual battery involving a minor after his arrest for allegedly fondling a girl. Full Story... Man charged with sex crime in Holmes Beach Holmes Beach police arrested William E. Lindsay, 41, of San Francisco, June 25 on charges of lewd or lascivious molestation of a victim 12-16 years of age. Full Story... PAR, Mainsail purchase Tidemark by Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter The Tidemark projects in Holmes Beach were sold last week to an investment group that includes Anna Maria developer Pine Avenue Restoration LLC. Full Story... Cities asked to share trolley costs by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter The Island’s elected officials will be discussing as early as this week whether to pledge funding to the campaign to keep the trolley fare-free. Full Story... Totems selected for WMFRD study In a special meeting July 26, the West Manatee Fire Rescue District board of directors awarded Totems Architect, Planning and Design of Sarasota a $75,485 contract to conduct a study of district facility needs and design new facilities for the district. Full Story...