Top Stories this week: Wednesday, October 8, 2008 No through traffic This Manatee County Sheriff's Office deputy was on duty Monday, Sept. 28, at the Manatee Avenue-75th Street intersection to assist traffic diverting onto the detour route to Anna Maria Island. Some visitors to the Island, however, have said the detour signs indicating the direction motorists should take to reach the Island are unclear. Islander Photo: Rick Catlin Chamber: 'Be positive' during bridge closure by Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter While traffic to and from the mainland has to use the Cortez Bridge for the next five weeks, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce president Mary Ann Brockman said it’s time to put the past behind and let people know that the Island is here, with beautiful beaches and lots of shops and restaurants. Full Story... Ready for Cortez The humpback bridge on 127th Street in Cortez was opened to vehicles Sept. 23 following replacement of the bridge with $18 million in private financing from Norm Burke, developer of the Bradenton Boat Club marina and boat-storage facility on Cortez Road. Burke needed the bridge to be taller to accommodate boats accessing the marina and the Florida Department of Transportation will reimburse Burke from a future budget. The work started in May. Islander Photo: Edna Tiemann High court: renourishment a state duty by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter The Florida Supreme Court Sept. 29 ruled that the state has a duty to renourish critically eroded shorelines. Full Story... Proposed comp-plan changes to go to state by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter Hours of meetings over several years resulted last week in two concise votes on amendments to Bradenton Beach’s comprehensive plan. Full Story... For the record The documents containing the proposed amendments to Bradenton Beach’s comprehensive plan measure more than an inch thick. Full Story... Judge orders city to review property dispute by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter A judge has ordered Bradenton Beach officials to take another look at concerns raised by resident Ken Lohn about neighboring property at Fifth Street South and Bay Drive South. Full Story... Koenigs' sentencing postponed A judge postponed until next month the sentencing of Mark Koenigs, the man convicted of shooting Holmes Beach resident and businesswoman Sue Normand. Full Story... Attorney seeks $200,000 in blown-kiss case by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter An attorney representing two teenagers arrested at Coquina Beach earlier this year is seeking $200,000 in damages from the city of Bradenton Beach. Full Story... Detour to Paradise The Islander staff invites you to join us on a Detour to Paradise as we ride out the closure of the Anna Maria Island Bridge through Nov. 13. Full Story... Drive-time tracks Spending more time in the auto these days with the closure of the Anna Maria Island Bridge and a detour to Cortez Road? Full Story... Agreement seeds new season for garden by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter A volunteer group and the city of Holmes Beach have entered a new agreement for improvements and maintenance at the Anna Maria Island Butterfly Park. Full Story... City seeks new, improved green spaces by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter The Holmes Beach Parks and Beautification Committee returned from summer vacation to focus on creating a new garden, opening a new pocket park and improving other sites in the city. Full Story... Volunteers clean up shores, preserves by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter Hundreds of people spent Saturday morning on Anna Maria Island beaches — not sunning themselves but scouring the sandy shore for trash. Full Story... Board best The winners in the annual Skimboard Bash sponsored by the West Coast Surf Shop and held at the BeachHouse Restaurant in Bradenton Beach Oct. 5 include: Full Story... Tiff proclamation by Diana Bogan. Islander Reporter State officials recognized Christine Olson Oct. 2 for the fortitude and perseverance that continues to drive her in her mission "To Inform Families First." Full Story... To Inform Families First wish list To Inform Families First is a non-profit organization led by Christine Olson to promote Florida’s emergency contact system, which was developed after the motorcycle accident that took the life of Olson's daughter two years ago. The organization is seeking volunteers to assist with its goals and such items as: Full Story...