Top Stories this week: Wednesday, August 6, 2008 Two manatees visited the dock at the Gryboski house in Holmes Beach, where Ansley Jacobs, 7, visiting from Atlanta, got a close up look and the thrill of seeing such a large mammal in the wild. The large adult manatee had a companion, a half-size juvenile manatee. Both showed some propeller scarring and the adult manatee had a large cut-out scar at the base of its tail. Islander Photo: Bonner Joy New trolley route planned for bridge closure by Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Manatee County Area Transit is working to put a fare-free trolley into service to transport passengers from the mainland to the Island during the closure of the Anna Maria Island Bridge. Full Story... DOT to SAM: No lights for bridge by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter The Florida Department of Transportation will stick with its plan to exclude lighting from the rehab plans for the Anna Maria Island Bridge, a state official informed Save Anna Maria Inc. recently. Full Story... Two firms seek to land city contract by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter Two firms are in the running for a contract to develop Bradenton Beach’s  master recreational boating plan. Full Story... Islander, league co-host forum by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter The Islander in partnership with the League of Women Voters will co-host a candidates’ forum Wednesday, Aug. 13, at Holmes Beach City Hall. Full Story... Fireworks task force to lobby for state reform by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter Members of a local fireworks task force will turn their focus from the beaches to the state capitol in an effort to reduce illegal fireworks use. Full Story... City pursues agreement with gas company by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter Holmes Beach city officials want a percentage of revenue that the sale of natural gas to customers in the city by TECO/Peoples Gas will bring. Full Story... Plan amendments on agenda by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter Holmes Beach city commissioners will hold a public hearing at 7 p.m. Aug. 12 on proposed amendments to the city’s comprehensive plan. Full Story... Koenigs set for trial this week Trial began Monday, Aug. 4, for Mark W. Koenigs, the man accused of shooting Island businessperson Sue Normand. Full Story... Attorney seeks continuance in blown-kiss case by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter An attorney was asking for a continuance in the trial of a teenager arrested in connection with an alleged scuffle in April with a Bradenton Beach police officer on Coquina Beach. Full Story... State presents county millions for Neal Preserve by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter The state of Florida last week presented Manatee County’s board of commissioners with $2.2 million to put toward the past purchase of Neal Preserve. Full Story... Palma Sola loses some trees by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter Most of the more than 700 trees planted this past year along the Palma Sola Causeway are doing well, but some have died for various reasons. Full Story... A lady, a tramp, a gypsy and a fire by Barbara Parkman. Special to The Islander Good can come out of events that can seem overwhelming. Full Story...