Top Stories this week: Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2006 Holmes Beach blizzard The Downtown Holmes Beach Holiday Open House stirred up a blizzard on Dec. 1 - with snow falling outside The Islander office and a flurry of activity at shops and restaurants. As children played in the "snow," adults sampled other delights. Islander Photos: Lisa Neff K.C. and the Sunshine Dancers perform in the parking lot of the Island Shopping Center alongside their sponsor's office, The Islander newspaper, for an early evening crowd. Working with coach Kristina Castner and assistant Julia Virgilio, the dancers are preparing for a state contest. Anna Maria finally comprehensive after nearly four years It may have taken just under four years from start to finish, but Anna Maria now has a revised comprehensive plan and accompanying evaluation and appraisal report and future land use map, all approved by the city commission. Full Story... Orlando-area cops seek more victims of Anna Maria retiree By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter When Dr. George Pyke was arrested in June at his Anna Maria residence by the Manatee County Sheriff's Office on charges of capital sexual battery on a child under 12, law enforcement authorities in both Manatee and Seminole counties began searching for victims Pyke may have abused. Full Story... New Year, new principal at AME By Diana Bogan. Islander Reporter Anna Maria Elementary School Principal Kathy Hayes has announced she will be leaving her position at the Island school Feb. 1 to become the principal at B.D. Gullet Elementary School at Lakewood Ranch. Full Story... Pier restaurant plans approved in Bradenton Beach By Paul Roat. Islander Reporter The refrain was nearly the same from residents, business owners and even the city commission: bring back our restaurant at the city pier. Soon. Full Story... Busiest pre-Christmas day coming By Jim Hanson. Islander Reporter The biggest single day until Christmas itself is just around the corner, and an Islander will be lucky to work in half of the programs organized. Full Story... Homeless threatens bartender, arrested The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reports deputies arrested a homeless man after they say he pulled a knife on a bartender at Cortez Kitchen on 119th Street West in the village. Full Story... Cortez Road DOT work gets rated By Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter The widening of Cortez Road took longer and cost more to complete than first forecast, but a survey shows public satisfaction with the once contentious project. Full Story... Lawyer claims GSR principals are con men By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Attorney Joe Fritz of Tampa, who represents Island residents Mel and Carole Yudofsky as unsecured creditors in the GSR bankruptcy case, is hopping mad and he thinks he’s got some good reasons. Full Story... Insurance: First showdown on Citizens' premiums Thursday By Molly McCartney. Islander Reporter Thursday promises to be the first showdown over the prices that Anna Maria Island property owners will have to pay for wind coverage next year from Citizens Property Insurance Corp., the state's insurer of last resort. Full Story... Police swoop in on unattended baggage An empty suitcase left on the sidewalk the morning of Friday, Dec. 1, at Keyway RV Park at 12316 44th Ave. W. in Cortez raised enough suspicions that the sheriff's office was alerted. Full Story... Beach lures missing, adventurous kids from home Two children ages 5 and 7 were reported missing early Sunday morning, Nov. 26, after they apparently attempted to take a stroll on the beach alone. Full Story... If wishes were fishes Indeed, if wishes were fishes on Anna Maria Island, we would have abundant gifts. 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.