By Eileen Rivers Washington Post Staff Writer Sunday, March 30, 2008; Page R04 As popular as neighborhoods with waterfront property have long been in Anne Arundel County , last year the luxury-home market dried ... via The Washington Post

For years, residents of waterfront Riviera Beach have paid about $100 in extra annual taxes for their Anne Arundel County community's shoreline, money that has funded everything from dredging projects and bulkhead repairs to fixing the damage from Tropical Storm Isabel.

But in recent months, some residents have started questioning how this little-known special tax district has been managing its money. They have focused on a project that was never put out to competitive bid, even as its costs nearly doubled from the original estimate. And they have cast doubt on the sale of a community-owned piece of land to a contractor. Read more

The county auditor recommended last week that the county withhold funds for a $400,000 shoreline project in Riviera Beach, following residents' allegations that the money was spent improperly. via Hometown Annapolis

With homicides down by nearly a third, Anne Arundel County saw a small drop in overall violent crime in 2007. via The Baltimore Sun

Marlon Alvarado of Severna Park, at left, and James Creek of Annapolis flank community activist Raynaldo Brown as they dish up food for the homeless during the ''Warm Nights'' program hosted by Asbury Broadneck ... via Hometown Annapolis

Teenagers who graffiti may have to face more than fines, community service or a short stay in jail - one state legislator wants them to lose their driver's licenses as well. via The Capital

Two former volunteer firefighters have filed suit against an Anne Arundel County fire company and the county government, claiming that a former fire company president sexually abused them when they were teenage ... via The Baltimore Sun

A 33-year-old volunteer firefighter who wrecked a dirt bike outside his home Saturday died during surgery shortly after the crash, county police said. via Maryland Gazette

State investigators are exploring criminal charges against a Baltimore judge who is suspected of dumping more than 40 truckloads of debris along the waterfront of his property in Pasadena.

This week, Anne Arundel County Executive John R. Leopold questioned the pace of the investigation, which county officials began in October last year after receiving a tip that landfill rubble - including drywall, cinderblocks and broken bathroom fixtures - had been deposited along the shores of the Patapsco River on a Riviera Beach property owned by District Judge Askew W. Gatewood Jr. The investigation was referred to state authorities. Read more

CHURCH: The Rev. Shawn Hill has led the 100-member congregation at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church since last December. via Maryland Gazette

The streets of Pasadena will fill with fire trucks, marching bands, floats and citizens bringing food for their neighbors when the 12th annual Caring and Sharing Thanksgiving Parade strolls through town Sunday. via The Maryland Gazette