Top Stories this week: Wednesday, June 4, 2008 Fighting back The Walters family - Jack, 10, piggybacking Anni, 7, and Seth, 8, piggybacking Tori, 7, take the track during the Anna Maria Island Relay for Life May 31 at Coquina Beach. The event, which stretched overnight, raised money for the American Cancer Society. Islander Photos: Lisa Neff Relayers rally to fight cancer by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter Barbara Rischmann lost her husband recently to lung cancer. Full Story... Anna Maria passes controversial zero lot-line ordinance by Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter After months of contentious debate, Anna Maria city commissioners at their May 29 meeting narrowly approved an ordinance that would allow for a zero lot line for construction of a single structure on adjacent lots in the city’s retail-office-residential land-use areas. Full Story... No time to save A portion of the former market and service station at the eastern-mainland end of the Anna Maria Island Bridge on Manatee Avenue were being demolished last week by owners St. Joe Company after being vacant for nearly two years. The former Perico Island Marina, also on the site and closed by St. Joe, remains. Islander Photo: Rick Catlin Costs continue to rise for Anna Maria stormwater project by Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Phase I of Anna Maria’s stormwater drainage plan is probably one of the most expensive drainage projects the city has never built. And the cost continues to go up and up, all before the first drop of water has hit the swale. Full Story... Jilted contractor seeks $235K from Anna Maria by Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Adkins Contracting Inc. was already signed to be Anna Maria's lead contractor for Phase I of a $539,000 stormwater drainage project that was slated to begin earlier this year. Full Story... School auditorium to get overdue renovations by Diana Bogan. Islander Reporter Recent events held in the Anna Maria Elementary School auditorium, such as the building’s dedication to James Kronus and the fifth-grade production of “Cinderella,” drew the attendance of Manatee County School board member Harry Kinnan and that may have helped shed light on some outstanding problems with the facility. Full Story... June 5 public meeting on bridge rehab by Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Another opportunity for Islanders and concerned citizens to gather and learn about the ongoing $9.2 million Anna Maria Island Bridge rehabilitation project is set for 5 p.m. Thursday, June 5, at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Holmes Beach. Full Story... Homeowner claims neighboring buildings pollute bay by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter The brother of a former Manatee prosecutor has been arrested on a charge he tried to use his family connection to solicit a bribe from a couple facing drug charges. Full Story... Man slammed baby onto stool, police say Mike Quinn, editor of NewsManatee.com, contributed to this report. Bradenton Beach police arrested a 52-year-old man on charges he slammed an infant into a foot stool during an argument. Full Story... Bradenton Beach continues to monitor lights by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter Bradenton Beach code enforcement officers, assisted by a state agent, continue to monitor problem lighting on the shore as sea-turtle nesting season enters its second month. Full Story... Homicide case remains open six months later by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter In the days after the discovery of Carla Beard’s body in a bed of seagrape leaves behind a beach house, Holmes Beach police knew time was critical. Full Story... Gas gives Holmes Beach Commission heartburn by Paul Roat “You can’t imagine how blindsided we are with your presentation.” Full Story... NOAA: near normal/above normal hurricane season Climate conditions point to a near-normal or above-normal hurricane season in the Atlantic Basin this year, according to the Climate Prediction Center operated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Full Story... Pipeline endangers Gulf's sandy renourishment pits by Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Five years ago, when Port Dolphin Energy LLC first proposed to install a new natural gas pipeline on the Gulf of Mexico floor, Islanders and most Manatee County residents gave it little concern. Full Story... Pipeline proposal draws critics by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, D-Tampa, last week objected to a proposed port and natural gas pipeline in the vicinity of Anna Maria Island, expressing concerns for the environment and security. Full Story...