Top Stories this week: Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2007 Ready, set, go AME Overall winner Mickey Hooke (16 minutes, 54 seconds), top photo, front center, shows his determination at the start as runners take off in the 5-kilometer Anna Maria Elementary School Dolphin Dash Saturday. The dash also featured a 1-mile run and Morgan Hackworth, right, an AME fourth-grader, was the first to cross the finish line in that race at 6:51. The event raised money for the school's Parent-Teacher Organization. It was followed by refreshments and prize drawings at St. Bernard Catholic Church, Holmes Beach. Islander Photos: Lisa Neff (top), Diana Bogan (right) AME Dolphin Dash draws a crowd By Diana Bogan. Islander Reporter The first Anna Maria Elementary School Dolphin Dash Saturday, Jan. 20, was such a success, that event coordinator Becky Walter said she’s already planning to do it again next year. Full Story... Anna Maria city hall temporarily at Island Baptist Church Anna Maria’s city office functions have been temporarily relocated to the Island Baptist Church annex at 8605 Gulf Drive while city hall undergoes repairs due to mold damage. Full Story... Center plans February 'topping' party, November grand opening By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter When the Anna Maria Island Community Center board of directors first announced its expansion plans in December 2001, the estimated cost of a new facility was put at about $2.5 million. Full Story... So what's down there? By Paul Roat. Islander Reporter Moving about as slowly as the canals are silting, Bradenton Beach officials appear to be oozing their way toward dredging the city’s two canals. Full Story... Parking woes described, solutions next for Bradenton Beach By Paul Roat. Islander Reporter Parking problems have been voiced along Bradenton Beach streets and parks. Solutions will be aired later this week. Full Story... Longboat Bridge late-night access denied next week Late-night travel between Bradenton Beach and Longboat Key will include a significant detour next week. Full Story... Donations to Challenge reach total of $117,495 The final response to the challenge issued by Chuck and Joey Lester has reached $117,495, of which Islanders and friends donated $67,495. Full Story... Commissioner raises concerns about city pier By Molly McCartney. Islander Reporter Anna Maria City Commissioner Chris Tollette has some serious concerns about the maintenance at the city pier and wants the city commission to take over that responsibility from the current lease-holder, Mario Schoenfelder. Full Story... GSR snubs Island real estate agencies By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Financially strapped GSR Development LLC filed a motion with the federal bankruptcy court last week to allow it to retain RoseBay Real Estate as an "exclusive broker" for a number of its Island properties, apparently ignoring a proposal from at least one Island real estate company and failing to contact other major real estate players for a proposal. Full Story... Insurance: Lawmakers seek sensible solutions By Molly McCartney. Islander Reporter Tallahassee - State legislators have produced a "big win" for Anna Maria Island in their effort to resolve the state insurance crisis in the judgment of state Rep. Bill Galvano, R-Bradenton, who represents western Manatee County. Full Story... St. Joe: Do the math By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter The St. Joe company has begun marketing its SevenShores condominium project on north Perico Island and recently paid for advertising in the December 2006 issue of the in-flight magazine "Sky." 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.