Top Stories this week: Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2005 TOP NOTCH: 'YEE HAAAA' Grand Prize Winner Jacob Talucci takes flight above the pool thanks to a launch from Uncle Nate in this "Kodak moment" snapped by Aunt Amelia. She will receive a "More Than a Mullet Wrapper" Islander T-shirt, a bottle of wine from Anna Maria Island Liquor & Wine and a lunch certificate from Minnie's Beach Cafe. The photo will go into a pool with other weekly winners eligible for the contest grand-prize package, including $100 from The Islander, a $50 gift certificate from Mister Robert's Resortwear, a premium bottle of champagne from Time Saver, dinner for two at either the Sandbar, BeachHouse or MarVista, and framing of their winning entry from Decor Gallery and Framing. Click image to enlarge A little off course This golf cart - which was apparently stolen from Catcher's Marina some time overnight - was observed awash in the Gulf of Mexico near the 80th Street beach access in Holmes Beach - apparently off course and in the "rough" following a night of beach cruising - an illegal activity on any of the Island's three cities' beaches. Islander Photo: J.L. Robertson Island property: Still best value on Gulf Coast By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Real estate on Anna Maria Island continues to be one of the best values among Florida's Gulf Coast communities, according to many local real estate agents, but the boom in values the past four years may be slowing slightly. People, however, still want Island property, the agents say. Full Story... Bradenton Beach budget ready - almost - for public scrutiny By Paul Roat The proposed Bradenton Beach budget for the upcoming fiscal year is $3,155,023, up from the current $2,738,119, while the proposed property tax rate has dropped from the current 2.4932 mill to 2.4902. Full Story... Charter changes on way to November ballot By Paul Roat The final two proposed changes to the Bradenton Beach charter have been approved by city commissioners, and language will be drafted to place the revision on the Nov. 8 ballot for voters approval or rejection. Full Story... Holmes Beach canals a 'big can of worms' By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter It's too bad saltwater fish don't go for worms. If they did, Holmes Beach canals would be a fisherman's paradise, considering the "big can of worms" the city study of canals has unearthed. Full Story... Key Royale informational workshop tomorrow Representatives of the Florida Department of Transportation will hold an informational workshop at 5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 25, at St. Bernard Catholic Church on construction of the new Key Royale Bridge in Holmes Beach. Full Story...