Top Stories this week: Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2008 A blue-gray gnatcatcher in the field: Islander Photo: David Williamson Birders tally Gulf Circle species By Lisa Neff: Islander Reporter Mark Davis, Rick Greenspun, Dick Ware and Kathryn Young spent last Thursday searching for migrating snowbirds and yearlong residents - the sort with wings and feathers. Full Story... Beginning of the end for Bradenton Beach comp plan By Paul Roat It’s been long, tumultuous, often tiring and sometimes informative trail - or trial at times - but the end of the comprehensive planning path for Bradenton Beach is in sight. Full Story... Homicide investigation continues Holmes Beach police last week continued to look into the slaying of Carla Ann Beard, 29, of Sarasota. Full Story... Bridge work start date still uncertain By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Quinn Construction Co. of Palmetto was supposed to start preliminary work on the $9.6 million Anna Maria Island Bridge renovation project this week, but that was under its old contract with the Florida Department of Transportation. Full Story... NASA plant? Construction continues on the big boat storage complex of the Bradenton Boat Club on the old C&C Marina land on the north side of Cortez Road in Cortez village, buildings that one longtime resident likened to "a space ship assembly building at Cape Kennedy." According to plans, the massive buildings will have storage space for 330 boats in a total of 34,000 square feet under roof, along with 30 wet slips on the adjacent canal. Land access is off 123rd Street via Cortez Road. Manatee County approved the project after a hearing at which Cortezians expressed concern about the impact on the historic fishing village. Islander Photo: Paul Roat Court places Byrne into involuntary bankruptcy By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Just a few years ago, Robert Byrne was one of the leading real estate developers on Anna Maria Island. He and business partner Steve Noriega lived a “jet-set” lifestyle consistent with the booming Island real estate market of the early 2000s. Full Story... ... and court to hear motion to dismiss GSR proceeding By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Unsecured investors in the failed GSR Development LLC bankruptcy proceedings may yet have their day in court. Full Story... Christine Olson: Making a BIG difference for others Islander of the Year By Bonner Joy One of the worst parenting nightmares I can recall was sending my daughter at age 16 driving away alone in “our” car for a night out with her friends. Not so bad really, good kids all - but she was driving. Her first time. Alone, driving at night. No adult, no watchful eyes. Full Story... Busted by their own net It brings up a whole new definition of running afoul of both the law and the water. Full Story... Koenigs invokes right to silence; Normand returns to Island By Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter The local man charged in connection with the Dec. 5 shooting of businessperson Sue Normand has formally invoked his constitutional right to remain silent. Full Story... Ringing in 2008 with resolve Islander Staff Report Islanders’ resolutions for 2008 come in shades of green, with environmental concerns ranking high for the new year. Full Story... New year brings new opportunity By Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter Islander Kevin Hewson has taken his vow for the new year - to spend more time relaxing. Full Story...