Top Stories this week: Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2007 Sand, Santa, Sillies Santa met up with some local clowns at the Lawton Chiles Christmas for Kids party at the Sandbar Restaurant last week. Islander Photo: Lisa Neff Homesick: Shooting victim on the mend, anxious for home By Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter Sue Normand chuckles at her good humor. Full Story... Neighbor vs. Neighbor in Olesen variance By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Not content with making vocal objections to the Anna Maria City Commission’s approval of four variances for property owned by Terry and Patricia Olesen and family at 504 S. Bay Blvd., neighbor Laura Gee of 502 S. Bay Blvd. has filed a legal action. Full Story... Preserving the Pine Avenue trolley Mike Coleman, left, and Ed Chiles of the Restore Pine Avenue LLC development group presented a check last week for $4,000 to Anna Maria Mayor Fran Barford as half of the city's $8,000 payment to Manatee County to keep the Island trolley operating free during 2008. Coleman and Chiles are purchasing and restoring Pine Avenue properties to maintain the "Old Florida" character of the city's business district. Islander Photo: Rick Catlin Anna Maria approves drainage contract, despite changes By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Faced with a cost overrun on Phase I of its stormwater drainage improvements project, Anna Maria commissioners approved a $600,000 contract for work, but elected not to proceed immediately with installation of two vortex separators and improvements at city hall. Full Story... Expect busy Christmas week for Island tourism By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter If the past six months are any indication of tourism, Islanders can expect a busy Christmas-New Year’s period, as visitors to the Island the next two weeks could well be at record levels. Full Story... County attorney advices against ban By Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter Manatee County Commissioner Donna Hayes backed away last week from a push to ban smoking on the county’s beaches. Full Story... Police still investigating death By Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter Nearly a month after the death of Carla Ann Beard, Holmes Beach Police Department investigators continue to pursue leads in the Island’s only homicide of 2007. Full Story... Grouper 'bust' a small one By Jim Hanson. Islander Reporter The Lisa Belle is back fishing the Gulf of Mexico for grouper, in fact never wasn’t legally fishing, and a report of a major “bust” was just flat wrong. Full Story... Code board continues hearing By Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter The Holmes Beach Code Enforcement Board continued a hearing over an alleged violation at a triplex in the 6200 block of Marina Way. Full Story... City request for review in records suit denied By Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter A circuit court judge has denied a request from the city of Bradenton Beach to reconsider aspects of his ruling in a public records suit filed by The Islander. Full Story... Transportation funds to flood Island area By Paul Roat Anna Maria Island may reap a cornucopia of transportation goodies in the next five years, to the tune of almost $32 million. Full Story... Tourism council readies for 2008 By Lisa Neff: Islander Reporter Play ball. Go on a shopping spree. Full Story... Fire district pursues discounts for home sprinklers By Lisa Neff: Islander Reporter Residential property owners who install sprinkler systems may receive discounts or rebates on their assessments from the West Manatee Fire Rescue District next year. Full Story...