Top Stories this week: Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2007 Rolling for rotary Patti Bishop, right, and Barbara Andrews celebrate a good roll at the craps table run by dealer Andy Branco during the fifth annual Extravaganza and Casino Night. The event, presented by the Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island on Jan. 27, drew a sell-out crowd to St. Bernard Catholic Church’s activity room, which was dressed up in bright lights and tinsel. Islander Photos: Lisa Neff Trash talk in Anna Maria By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Residents of Anna Maria can expect a rate hike for their garbage and trash-hauling service if a proposed new contract with Waste Management is adopted. Full Story... Roser Cottage now Roser sales 'cottage' By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter The owner of the Roser Cottage on Pine Avenue in Anna Maria plans to convert the nearly 100-year-old structure into a real estate office after an apparent unsuccessful effort the past two years to sell the property as a residence. Full Story... MCAT reluctant to extend trolley route in Anna Maria By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Anna Maria Mayor Fran Barford told city commissioners at their Jan. 24 meeting that she has talked to the Manatee County Area Transit about extending the route of the Island trolley to include North Bay Boulevard and North Shore Drive. Full Story... Don't compare Island real estate to mainland By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter A report last week from the Florida Association of Realtors that the average sale price of a home in the Sarasota-Bradenton area fell 17 percent from December 2005 to December 2006 shouldn't be used as a comparison for Anna Maria Island, local real estate agents say. Full Story... Ballpark flight The Bayflite medical transport helicopter used the Birdie Tebbetts baseball field in Holmes Beach Friday afternoon to pick up and transport a construction worker who fell down an elevator shaft while working at a home on Oak Avenue in Anna Maria. According to West Manatee Fire & Rescue, the man suffered a broken leg and other injuries, and was expected to make a full recovery. Islander Photo: Rick Catlin Slow going Traffic was slowed at the Cortez Road/Gulf Drive intersection Friday as workers with Ajax Paving Contractor replaced the median island in the intersection. The work was part of a $472,000 intersection improvement project funded by the Florida Department of Transportation. Major work is expected to begin after April 30 and will include resurfacing and new traffic signal masts. Islander Photo: Paul Roat Parking discussions continue in Bradenton Beach By Paul Roat. Islander Reporter "There is a parking problem in Bradenton Beach, no doubt." Full Story... Commission OKs rezoning for conservation By Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter Holmes Beach city commissioners Jan. 23 indicated their support for rezoning a set of properties west of the state erosion control line for conservation. Full Story... Insurance: Look for lower premiums By Molly McCartney. Islander Reporter Rate relief for Anna Maria Island and its insurance-battered residents, churches and businesses is on the way and should be in place before hurricane season opens in June. Full Story... Top Notch: First weekly winner also 2006 grand prize winner The grand prize winner from among six weekly award-winning photos in the 2006 "Top Notch" Islander photo contest is 'Hermit' by Kim Klement of Bradenton. Her shot was the first winner on June 28 and was taken at Andros Island in the Bahamas in May. She can claim her grand prize, including $100 from The Islander, a dining certificate from Ooh La La! Bistro, a bottle of champagne from Anna Maria Island Liquor and Wine, dinner for two at a Chiles Group Restaurant and framing of the winning photo by Decor and More. Congratulations to all the winners - and be watching next week for our featured runnersup.