Top Stories this week: Wednesday, May 16, 2007 One man died and two others suffered injuries when the SUV they were in went off the Anna Maria Island Bridge into the water early May 13. The crash was the second on the bridge in less than a week. Islander Photos: Lisa Neff One dead, two injured in bridge crash By Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter One man died and two others suffered serious injuries when their SUV crashed through the Anna Maria Island Bridge guardrail and plummeted into the water early May 13. Full Story... Olesens ask city to lift order Attorney Ryan Owen, representing the Olesen family of 504 S. Bay Blvd. in Anna Maria, has asked the city commission to lift a stop work order against his clients in order for them to complete renovations at their property. Full Story... Pine time protestors By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter When the Anna Maria City Commission voted three years ago to authorize removal of five of the 12 Australian pines trees in Gulffront Park, the decision generated all the public interest of a vote on buying more water cups for the drinking fountain. Full Story... Sandbar's party tent needs site plan amendment By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Some veteran Island political observers might find it hard to believe, but the Anna Maria City Commission May 10 unanimously agreed on one issue regarding the Sandbar Restaurant. Full Story... April tourism up from last year By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter April tourism brought a smile to many of the Island's accommodation, retail and restaurant owners as occupancy was up 1.3 percentage points from the same month last year, a sign that tourism is making a comeback after a two-year decline. Full Story... Center cools to Verizon cell tower, plan advances slowly By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter April tourism brought a smile to many of the Island's accommodation, retail and restaurant owners as occupancy was up 1.3 percentage points from the same month last year, a sign that tourism is making a comeback after a two-year decline. Full Story... Admissions, but records still denied in Bradenton Beach By Paul Roat Responses from Bradenton Beach attorneys to a lawsuit by The Islander newspaper requesting further information and documentation regarding a sexual harassment charge by a city employee that apparently resulted in the resignation of that city's building official are being pursued. Full Story... Bradenton Beach pier costs hike yet again By Paul Roat Early on Saturday at Coquina Beach there was a sense of anxiety, like Amity Island awaiting an attack - of a shooter, not a shark. Full Story... Court says Bon Eau owns Villa Rosa, sale ordered By Rick Catlin, Islander Reporter The long-running saga of bankrupt GSR Development LLC's Villa Rosa property in Anna Maria may be nearing the "end game." Full Story... Holmes Beach to 'rollback' 2007-08 budget By Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter Holmes Beach officials are ready to "rollback" the city's budget whether or not such action is mandated by an upcoming special session of the Florida Legislature. Full Story... Insurance: State wants you to storm-proof your home By Molly McCartney. Islander Reporter Message to homeowners from the state of Florida: Protect your house and we'll try to help. Full Story... Annexation of boat ramp returns to agenda By Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter The future of new rest room facilities at Kingfish Boat Ramp might be grounded in whether the property remains in unincorporated Manatee County or is annexed to Holmes Beach. Full Story... Case closed against Holmes Beach man The case has been dropped against a Holmes Beach man arrested in connection to a sexual relationship with a teenage runaway. Full Story... Siam Gardens sues county appraiser, tax collector Owners of the Siam Garden Resort condominiums in Anna Maria filed a lawsuit May 10 against Manatee County property appraiser Charles Hackney and tax collector Fred Burton. Full Story... Wildfires blanket Island in smoke By Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter Wildfires in Georgia and Florida burned hundreds of thousands of acres last week and sent plumes of smoke across the state, creating a dense haze and dropping ash on Anna Maria Island. 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.