Top Stories this week: Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2007 Open! The Historic Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach is officially open. City officials cut the ribbon to open the pier to the public at 3 p.m. Friday, Sept. 21. Rotten Ralph's on the Pier Waterfront Restaurant is expected to open Wednesday or Thursday this week, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week. The pier, 200 Bridge St., has undergone a $2.2 million reconstruction, adding a new restaurant, harbor master office, tackle shop, rest rooms and a floating dock. Ironically, the dock was roped off for the opening ceremonies due to an errant sailboat that struck the dock and pier after it broke its mooring during a storm the night before. A grand opening for the restaurant is planned for Oct. 25, according to Loretta Russell of Rotten Ralph's, also located in Anna Maria. Pictured, from left, are Commissioner Bill Shearon, Commissioner Janie Robertson, Mayor John Chappie and Commissioner Mike Pierce. Islander Photo: Paul Roat Acute Care seven down to six By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter The seven women from Acute Care in Anna Maria charged in February with Medicaid fraud are now just six. Full Story... No opposition for Anna Maria incumbent commissioners By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter There won’t be any need for election campaigning for a city commission seat in Anna Maria this fall. In fact, there won’t even be an election for the commission. Full Story... Anna Maria calm before the stormwaters By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter What a difference a day makes. Regarding Anna Maria’s public workshops on its planned stormwater-drainage project, make that the difference of about a month. Full Story... Businesses pleased: tourism up more than 25 percent By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Tourism figures just released by the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau confirm that Anna Maria Island experienced a tourism boom in August (The Islander, Sept. 19). Full Story... Mayoral election only for Bradenton Beach By Paul Roat Bradenton Beach voters will have a sparse ballot on Nov. 6. Full Story... Island may halt illegal July 4 fireworks By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Stung by two fireworks incidents last July 4 in which one man lost three fingers on one hand and a two-year-old was nearly blinded, Anna Maria Island elected officials may have finally had enough of illegal fireworks displays on the Island. Full Story... New Center, new, higher membership fees By Diana Bogan. Islander Reporter With the new season of seminars and activities about to begin at the new Anna Maria Island Community Center comes a new fee structure for membership and programs. Full Story... Holmes Beach incumbents face no opposition Holmes Beach voters eager to cast ballots in an election contest will have to wait until the presidential preference primary in January. Full Story... Citizens seek to close door on adult business By Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter The city commission left behind talk of signs and docks last week for a G-rated discussion on an R- and X-rated businesses in Holmes Beach. Full Story... Insurance: Holmes Beach residents will pay more for flood insurance By Molly McCartney. Islander Reporter Starting Oct. 1, property owners in Anna Maria City will pay 10 percent less for flood insurance than those in Bradenton Beach or Holmes Beach. Full Story... Details sketchy regarding deputy incident in Cortez Manatee County Sheriff’s Office internal affairs is keeping mum about an incident involving two deputies in Cortez Sept. 18. Full Story... Man arrested after struggle with police By Mike Quinn. NewsManatee.com Publisher. Special to The Islander Holmes Beach Police arrested Ronald Karas, 62, after a scuffle with several officers on Sept. 15. Full Story... Fake hashish sale lands Bradenton Beach man in jail By Mike Quinn. NewsManatee.com Publisher. Special to The Islander A Bradenton Beach man was arrested Sept. 14 for attempting to sell police officers what was described as fake hashish. Full Story...