Story Tools • • Pierce undecided on replacement bridge option Bradenton Beach Mayor Mike Pierce said he has not made up his mind on whether he favors a high-rise, fixed-span bridge to replace the current Anna Maria Island Bridge. At the March 26 Florida Department of Transportation's public hearing on the options for a new bridge, Pierce and Holmes Beach Mayor Rich Bohnenberger were asked collectively by The islander what type of bridge they favored as a replacement, if any. Both men appeared to respond “high,” but Pierce said later that he did not hear or understand the question. Pierce said he has not yet formed an opinion on a replacement bridge, and has only “considered” a high-rise bridge as one of the available options. “I would like it noted that I have not made up my mind,” he said.