Top Stories this week: Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2006 Sheila Cassidy, a member of the American Legion honor guard, stands proudly at the ceremony. Barford facing mold problem at city hall By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Newly elected Anna Maria Mayor Fran Barford won't have to wait long for her administration to face its first serious threat to the city. Mold has been discovered at city hall and environmental inspectors have indicated that last summer's water intrusion through the roof appears to be the cause. Full Story... Commission snubs SueLynn By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter When newly elected Anna Maria Mayor Fran Barford and a new commission gather Thursday night for the traditional swearing-in ceremony and organizational meeting, outgoing Mayor SueLynn plans to be conspicuously absent. Full Story... PUD is A-OK again in Bradenton Beach By Paul Roat. Islander Reporter A land-use technique for planned development is again a part of the proposed future land-use plans for Bradenton Beach. Full Story... Pier talks stalled until Nov. 29 in Bradenton Beach Major development and contractor selection for the refurbishment of Historic Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach has been delayed for a few weeks. Full Story... Automated message signs due September 2007 By Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter Long-awaited automated message signs may be placed on the Island as early as next September. Full Story... GSR, Bon Eau negotiate compromise, seek absolution By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter The controversial bankruptcy of GSR Development LLC just got a little more controversial - and complicated. Full Story... County declines invite to annexation By Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter Manatee County commissioners last week declined Holmes Beach's invitation to a voluntary annexation of the area on Manatee Avenue next to the Anna Maria Island Bridge, including Kingfish Boat Ramp. Full Story... Heroes By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter For those of you who didn't know, I'm a U.S. Army veteran. My dad was a World War II veteran in the Army. He fought at a place called Bastogne. Full Story... Insurance: New homestead requirement hits Island policyholders By Molly McCartney. Islander Reporter Get ready to learn about another new twist in the way you might - or might not - obtain wind insurance from Citizens Property Insurance Corp., the state's insurer of last resort. Full Story... Cortez hopes Medusa will fish again By Jim Hanson. Islander Reporter The Medusa will fish again, Cortez is fairly confident, after spending a week on the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico. Full Story... Ecumenical thanks, food for holiday In the two traditional main Thanksgiving events on the Island, the annual ecumenical Thanksgiving service this year will be at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach, and Island Baptist Church will have its annual community meal for everyone on the 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.