Top Stories this week: Wednesday, April 2, 2008 AMI Bridge future? Islanders and concerned citizens will have direct input to the Florida Department of Transportation on whether or not a replacement for the AMI Bridge should look like the Ringling Bridge in Sarasota, pictured above, or another type of design before any DOT decision on its appearance. Islander Photo: Jack Elka Future AMI bridge workshop Thursday by Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter In stark contrast to its former image of the 1990s, the new “kinder, gentler” Florida Department of Transportation will host a public information workshop Thursday, April 3, on the progress of its project development and environmental study to replace the Anna Maria Island Bridge. Full Story... Small bridge closure in Cortez by Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Cortez residents, Islanders and visitors to Anna Maria Island will have a bridge closure to deal with in the very near future - April 7. Full Story... Anna Maria bayside beach renourishment derailed by Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Anna Maria residents living on the northern bayfront between the Rod & Reel Pier and Bean Point likely feel like they’ve been slapped in the face by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Full Story... Two complaints cause Anna Maria uproar over Center by Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter The old adage that “the squeaky wheel gets the grease,” has never been truer than in Anna Maria regarding the city commission’s effort to define what the Anna Maria Island Community Center is and what are permitted uses at the facility. Full Story... City wants paws allowed on path by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter Stephen Johnson and his lab Tosh are hot to trot together on the trail at Coquina Beach. Full Story... BIEO learns cell provider needs customer by Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Members of the Barrier Island Elected Officials organization may have breathed a collective sigh of relief at their March 20 meeting, when they learned that wireless communications facilities company NextG Network does not yet have a contract with a cellular provider to build its distributive antenna systems on Anna Maria Island or Longboat Key. Full Story... Olson to be honored A resolution honoring Rod & Reel Pier employee Christine Olson for a citizen’s initiative is expected to be placed into the Florida Legislature’s record April 9. Full Story... Outdoor dining reserved for April 8 by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter Holmes Beach city commissioners have reservations for April 8 to discuss revising rules for outdoor dining. Full Story... Holmes Beach considers fee increase by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter Stormwater utility fees may go up about $12-$18 a year for Holmes Beach homeowners. Full Story... Fire damages duplex, no injuries Islander Staff Report An accidental fire on Sunday, March 30, damaged a Holmes Beach duplex, but the occupants escaped safely. Full Story... HB floodplain measure gets 1st reading by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter A flood of permit applications is expected to hit Holmes Beach’s building department when city commissioners approve a new floodplain ordinance and revoke a hold on building permits. Full Story... Bennett seeks united front against drilling by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter Anna Maria Island’s state senator wants a “unified resistance” to proposals weakening protections against drilling off Florida’s coast. Full Story... Bird nesting season arrives by Lois Copperman. Special to The Islander Sunscreen, towel, sunglasses. Now you are ready to head out to the beach. Full Story...