Top Stories this week: Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2008 The scene on the beach Dec. 23, where investigators searched for evidence in the disappearance of Sabine Musil-Buehler. Beach searchers find no body by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter Manatee County Sheriff’s Office deputies searched a half-block area of an Anna Maria beach Dec. 23, but failed to find evidence in the disappearance of Sabine Musil-Buehler. Full Story... Gunman shoots man, takes own life A Holmes Beach man died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound after allegedly shooting another man Dec. 28. Full Story... New year brings new bridge focus by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter The new year will bring a new focus on the Anna Maria Island Bridge as the state explores possible replacement of the 51-year-old structure. Full Story... BOA to take up continued appeal review by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter The Bradenton Beach Board of Adjustment on Jan. 7 was expected to continue its review of the timeline in a complaint regarding a building official decision. Full Story... Boaters sail into '09 with big hopes by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter Paul and Jessica Findley tied their dinghy to a dock near the Historic Bridge Street Pier and gathered up beach chairs, towels and sunscreen for a holiday on the beach. Full Story... Man pleads no contest to gill net charges by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter A Bradenton man arrested in June for using a gill net in state waters pleaded no contest to the charges in December. Full Story... Parks committee awaits grant notice by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter Members of the Holmes Beach Parks and Beautification Committee expect to learn in January whether they secured a grant for a public garden. Full Story... Be it resolved... Island cities head into 2009 by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter Tightening the budget is the top resolution for a majority of Americans in poll after poll taken as 2009 draws near. Full Story... Commissioner pursues expanded recycling by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter Holmes Beach City Commissioner Pat Morton will ring in the new year with a new resolve to promote the three Rs — reduce, reuse and recycle. Full Story... Renourishment on legislative agenda by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter The 2009 legislative platform adopted by the Manatee County Board of Commissioners called on the state to institute a policy to include sand sources as “critical state resources.” Full Story...