Top Stories this week: Wednesday, July 5, 2006 Not a rosy future Plans for GSR Development's Rosa del Mar condominium project in Bradenton Beach appear to have fallen by the wayside in the wake of the company’s financial difficulties. Islander Photo: Paul Roat GSR may consider bankruptcy court for protection By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter The saga of Island developer GSR Development LLC and principals Robert Byrne and Steve Noriega is expected to take a not unexpected twist in the very near future. Full Story... Fine levied on Rosa del Mar project by city By Paul Roat Islander Reporter The sum of $250 per day has been levied by the Bradenton Beach Code Enforcement Board against developers of a Gulffront property until a mound of dirt is leveled. Full Story... Pilings worse than expected, Harry's gets nod for pier restaurant By Paul Roat Islander Reporter The good news is that a franchisee - Harry's Continental Kitchens of Longboat Key - has been named to operate the restaurant at the Bradenton Beach Historic Bridge Street Pier. Full Story... Cortez proposal gets chilly reception By Jim Hanson. Islander Reporter A neighborhood meeting on a Cortez residential development proposal was disappointing all around, so another try will come along later. Full Story... City moves to curb rogue skaters By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter While no one in Holmes Beach is doubting the success of its "mini" skateboard park, not all skateboarders in the city are utilizing the facility. Full Story... Whitmore now a county commission candidate By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Holmes Beach Mayor Carol Whitmore had already said she would not seek re-election as mayor - a post she’s held since 1998 - but would instead run for a seat on the city commission in the November elections. She even publicly announced she would not run for a seat on the Manatee County Commission. Full Story... Holmes Beach election takes another turn The city election in Holmes Beach took another turn this week when Mayor Carol Whitmore announced she changed her mind - again. Full Story... Sandbar site plan hearing turns into courtroom battle By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter An expected 45-minute hearing on the final site plan for the Sandbar Restaurant at the June 29 Anna Maria City Commission meeting turned into more than three hours of courtroom drama as lawyers for opponents of the plan did their best to turn the hearing into a trial. Full Story... New trolleys running on Island Manatee County Area Transit has added four new trolleys to service the Island. And they’re quieter than the old ones, too. Full Story... Surf's up! A winner from Waikiki The second weekly winner in the 2006 'Top Notch' photo contest is Michael H. Smith of Holmes Beach. His shot of stashed surfboards awaiting riders was taken at Waikiki, Hawaii, and his prize is an Islander "more-than-a-mullet-wrapper" T-shirt and a certificate for Minnie's Beach Cafe, and her photo will go into the pool of six 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.