Top Stories this week: Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2009 Wading in The waders that Mark Kevin Harmon and Brian Bryant of Cincinnati purchased for their vacation on Anna Mara Island proved a worthwhile investment. Looking for shells, Harmon waded about 200 feet into the water near the Rod & Reel Pier in Anna Maria Jan. 27 and found a sizable Bahama Sea Star starfish, as well as many average size starfish. "I've never seen anything like it," Harmon said of the large starfish. The state regulates the taking of certain live shells, sand dollars and starfish, including the Bahama Sea Star, which is considered fairly common to the area, according to Mote Marine Laboratory. Islander Photo: Lisa Neff State regs limit shell collecting By Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter The arrival of the winter season does not bring snow to Anna Maria Island, but it does bring a flurry of activity to local beaches. Full Story... Anna Maria named 'Lifetime' community Thanks to the Florida Department of Elder Affairs, Anna Maria can now officially add the words “Community for a Lifetime” to its name. Full Story... Groups threaten suit to protect turtles A coalition of conservation groups recently announced their intent to sue if the federal government does not act immediately to protect sea turtles in the Gulf of Mexico. Full Story... Island tourism up in November, December by Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Occupancy of Anna Maria Island accommodation units rose in November and December, an indication that the current nationwide economic slump may not yet have affected the winter tourist season. Full Story... Tough times for donor-dependent Center by Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter The economic downturn has hit the Anna Maria Island Community Center, said AMICC executive director Pierrette Kelly, but the Center is maintaining all its major programs and has gone into higher gear to raise funds. Full Story... Play ball: Baseball season begins soon Do you remember the first pro baseball game you attended? The first home run you belted out of the park? The first ball glove you oiled up or the first bat you buffed? The first complete set of baseball cards you collected? Full Story... BB commissioners consider BOA changes by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter The Bradenton Beach City Commission is considering an ordinance intended to reduce costs and refine the process for reviewing building department appeals and variance applications. Full Story... City holds scenic highway charette by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter Bradenton Beach citizens gathered Jan. 30 for a marathon talk on how to drive forward plans for the city’s scenic highway. Full Story... Design committee for bridge supported, but premature by Paul Roat Regional transportation planners apparently plan to have a premiere design for any replacement of the Anna Maria Island Bridge. Full Story... Cramer home invasion trial delayed again The on-again off-again trial of the two men charged in the April 17, 2008, Anna Maria home invasion involving former City Commissioner Linda Cramer has been rescheduled to the March 23 court docket. Full Story... Cumber gets new attorney by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter William Cumber III, the last known person to see Sabine Musil-Buehler before she disappeared Nov. 4, was assigned a new attorney to defend him against an alleged probation violation. Full Story... HB commission closes alley discussion by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter The Holmes Beach City Commission unanimously voted to deny a request that the city vacate an unimproved alley on property fronting the Gulf of Mexico. Full Story... Civic association holds annual meeting by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter Members of the Holmes Beach Civic Association gathered Jan. 31 at the Island Branch Library for an annual meeting and a discussion on city matters. Full Story... FEMA-sponsored home demolition to advance Holmes Beach is due to get a park on Spring Lake later this year — to the dismay of city officials, taxpayers and the residents who will lose their home. Full Story... State sees high count in manatee survey by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter Alicia and Marcia Childs stood on the Bay Boulevard humpback bridge in Anna Maria looking down. Full Story... Community rallies to support priest by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter For several weeks, Islander Barbara Sato has circulated a petition pledging support to the Rev. Jean Ronald Joseph in a quest to clear his name. Full Story... The Islander's Super Bowl XLIII trivia contest Paul F. Georges of Bradenton Beach won The Islander contest, chosen from a pool of the top entries. Full Story...