Top Stories this week: Wednesday, April 23, 2008 Photo by Arthur Valadie Fire destroys bayside home by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter The sun came up bright on the bay April 17 to reveal the dark smoke that remained over 58th Street in Holmes Beach. Full Story... Davis' thankful, hopeful after fire destroys home by Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Kent and Sophaphan “Pa” Davis of Holmes Beach quickly admit they are lucky to be alive. Full Story... Ex-city commissioner beaten, robbed at Anna Maria home If you think it can’t happen here, it can. Former Anna Maria City Commissioner Linda Cramer was beaten and robbed shortly after 4 p.m. April 17 by two unidentified men at the home she resides in on Crescent Drive, across from the Anna Maria Island Community Center. Full Story... Anna Maria issues CO to Olesens - finally by Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter It may have taken a bit more than two years, but the Olesen family has finally obtained a certificate of occupancy from Anna Maria for their home in the 500 block of South Bay Boulevard. Full Story... Bridge work continues, but most is unseen by public by Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter The Holmes Beach residence of Pa and Kent Davis, former owners of the Siam Garden Resort in Anna Maria, was consumed by a fire that began shortly after 2 a.m. April 17. Full Story... No recession for Island's winter tourist season by Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter While many major media outlets continue to announce rather grim economic news, including the dreaded “recession” word, Anna Maria Island the past winter season appears to have escaped any recession fears, at least in terms of visitors and their spending. Full Story... Coquina Beach shooter to serve 9 more years by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter For more than a year, Rene Vasquez-Mendoza has remained in the Manatee County jail awaiting trial on felony charges for a shooting on Coquina Beach last Easter. Full Story... City clerk recovering after surgery Bradenton Beach city clerk Nora Idso remains on medical leave at city hall. She is recovering from surgery she underwent earlier this month. Full Story... New lighting likely for Bridge Street by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter Bridge Street lighting soon may burn at a higher wattage. Full Story... Biodegradable pet-waste bags planned by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter A Bradenton Beach advisory committee hopes to soon bag two new education campaigns for public delivery. Full Story... Committee taking new look at parking meters by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter “Parking meters,” Bradenton Beach Police Chief Sam Speciale said, repeating his two-word partial solution for parking problems in the city. Full Story... Flash fire damages boat A flash fire due to mechanical failure damaged a boat at the Bradenton Beach Marina April 19. Full Story... Closure within 30 days The closing of the humpback bridge on 127th Street in Cortez has been delayed for up to 30 days, according a sign on the bridge posted by the Florida Department of Transportation. The bridge was to have closed April 7 for between 90 and 120 days to allow a contractor to raise its height by 2.5 feet and perform some long overdue repairs. The project is being funded by the Bradenton Boat Club on Cortez Road with the approval of the DOT and the Manatee County Public Works Department. Islander Photo: Rick Catlin Sex doesn't sell in Holmes Beach by Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Sex may sell on Madison Avenue and there’s “Sex and the City,” a popular rerun on TV, but sex in Holmes Beach apparently doesn’t sell very well. Full Story... Newspaper seeks sanctions against city by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter A judge last week denied The Islander newspaper’s quest for sanctions and fees in a case involving the city of Bradenton Beach. Full Story... Islander gains eight press awards The Florida Press Association last week announced the random list of winners of its 2007 Better Weekly Newspaper contest for excellence in journalism with The Islander newspaper honored in eight categories. Full Story... Honoring her... In observance of Mother’s Day, The Islander invites readers to share with editors and other readers their best memory of mother, mom, ma, mamma. Full Story... Officials prepare for nesting season by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter Holmes Beach code enforcement officer Nancy Hall saw bright lights last summer. Full Story... Turtle patrol ready to roll by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter The 17 rookies raised their hands to applause. Full Story...