Top Stories this week: Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2006 Shoppers browse for gifts and goodies at Ginny's and Jane E's at the Old IGA, 9807 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, on Nov. 24. The city's businesses and the Anna Maria Island Historical Society and Museum hosted the second annual Christmas Walk. Islander Photo: Lisa Neff Island businesses ring in the season By Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter Madelyn Montgomery clocked in at 5 a.m. and out at 10 a.m. on Black Friday, Nov. 24, shopping at a frenzied pace in the big discount stores on the mainland. Full Story... SueLynn accepts honors from city, Quam While former Anna Maria Mayor SueLynn declined to attend the city commission's Nov. 16 organizational meeting where she was to have been honored for her nearly five years of service to the city, she appeared to let bygones be bygones and accepted an invitation to a tree-planting ceremony Nov. 17 in her honor at the Anna Maria Island Historical Society Park. Full Story... Comp plan hearing Thursday in Anna Maria After nearly four years of preparation, Anna Maria’s revised comprehensive plan and future land-use map head to the first public hearing at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 30. Full Story... Olesens file suit over ownership By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Months of negotiations to settle a controversy over ownership of an easement at 504 S. Bay Blvd. in Anna Maria have apparently failed, resulting in a lawsuit filed Nov. 17 against the city. Full Story... Lukewarm start to winter tourist season By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter When the first snows fell in October for the northern climates, winter visitors made an early start to the season, flocking to Anna Maria Island in droves. Full Story... Intersection improvements at Gulf Drive-Cortez Road planned Improvements to the Gulf Drive-Cortez Road intersection in Bradenton Beach are planned for sometime early in 2007. Full Story... Making it official Bill Shearon, left, and Michael Pierce were sworn into office as city commissioners in Bradenton Beach Nov. 20. It is Shearon's second term, and Pierce's first. Neither were opposed in their bids for the Ward 4 and Ward 2 seats, respectively, in the city. Islander Photo: Paul Roat Crash in Cortez sends woman to hospital An early evening one-car crash in Cortez sent a woman to Bayfront Medical Center Nov. 24. Full Story... Lutz ends commission work after four terms By Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter Roger Lutz was convinced of something eight years ago. Full Story... Insurance: No solutions yet, rate debate continues By Molly McCartney. Islander Reporter Harrington House owner Frank Davis can't quite believe what he's been hearing about the 767 percent rate increase proposed by Citizens Property Insurance Corp. for commercial wind coverage. Full Story... Mullet season starting, looking good By Jim Hanson. Islander Reporter The mullet are running and castnetters are cashing in, though nothing like they hope to do as the season goes on. 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.