Top Stories this week: Wednesday, July 19, 2006 No war of the roses The sales trailer formerly used by embattled GSR Development LLC for its Villa Rosa subdivision on South Bay Boulevard in Anna Maria has been empty for several months, but the city presently has no plans to initiate a code enforcement action against the company to have the trailer removed. The model home in the background has been completed, but no certificate of occupancy has been issued by the city. GSR is presently facing more than a dozen lawsuits and mortgage foreclosures and filed for bankruptcy July 13. Islander Photo: Rick Catlin GSR declares bankruptcy By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Financially embattled GSR Development LLC - once considered the leading developer of Island real estate by industry professionals - filed a voluntary bankruptcy petition in Tampa Federal Bankruptcy Court last week, gaining protection from the numerous lawsuits, mortgage foreclosures and other legal actions filed against it the past five months. Full Story... Ex-mayor considers running, SAM president runs Former Anna Maria Mayor Gary Deffenbaugh took out a candidate packet last week, but said last Friday he was considering whether to run for either the mayor's position or one of the two city commission seats to be contested in the November election. Full Story... Anna Maria to cut down pine trees By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Anna Maria city commissioners at their July 13 meeting agreed that a contract to remove some Australian pines in the city’s Gulffront Park should proceed. Full Story... Revised Anna Maria comp plan heads to commission By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter It may have taken nearly two and a half years, but Anna Maria’s revised comprehensive plan is now ready for city commission review and public hearings. Full Story... Gulffront project rejected by planning board By Paul Roat. Islander Reporter Planning commissioners in Bradenton Beach have recommended the city commission deny the construction of two Gulffront duplexes in the city. Full Story... Going where others have failed seeking consolidation By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Forgive Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Board Chairman Don Schroder if he feels a bit like Capt. Kirk of Star Trek fame. Full Story... Mayor to commission: Keep doors open By Diana Bogan. Islander Reporter The Holmes Beach City Commission meeting July 11 was lackluster until commissioners opened fire regarding the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce's offer to facilitate a dialogue between the three Island city governments to provide more efficient municipal services. Full Story... Sunset skier: Top Notch winner The fourth weekly winner in the 2006 "Top Notch" Islander photo contest is by Meta Azar of Holmes Beach and Tampa of her husband Rustom Azar mono-skiing at sunset in Ada, Ghana. Her prize is an Islander "more-than-a-mullet-wrapper" T-shirt and a certificate for Minnie's Beach Cafe, and his photo will go into the pool of six weekly winners eligible for a grand prize that includes $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.