Top Stories this week: Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2006 Santa's little helper Stuart Little, the albino squirrel residing at Wildlife Inc., got decked out for the holidays — with the help of some computer imaging expertise. Stuart and Wildife Inc.'s Ed and Gail Straight sent out the image as a holiday wish to supporters. The animal rehabilitation organization’s wish list includes acorns, seed and other caretaking items. For more information, call 941-778-6324. Islander Image: Wildlife Inc. Santa, pirates draw crowd By Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter The Island celebrated the holiday season in "yo, ho, ho" fashion Dec. 9. Annual Christmas Parade and Fun Day photos, Click here. Full Story... Anna Maria's Swiftmud funding initiative moving forward By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Efforts in Anna Maria to resolve a number of long-standing drainage issues are heading in the right direction under the Southwest Florida Water Management District's cooperative funding initiative. Full Story... Fire damages Bradenton Beach house Tragedy struck a Bradenton Beach family last week as a fire broke out in their home. Full Story... 'No objection' OK'd for seawall removal request A request made more than two years ago has finally been granted by officials in Bradenton Beach. Full Story... Five rescued after boat sinks in Tampa Bay Five people were rescued from a sinking boat near the mouth of the Manatee River Saturday night. Full Story... Cortez killing set for trial By Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter Tammy Lynn George is scheduled to be the first person tried for murder in Manatee County in 2007. Full Story... GSR auction sale deadline Dec. 15 By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Investors, real estate developers and anyone looking for a slice of the good life found on Anna Maria Island have their chance this week to buy into the Island dream - at a bargain price. Full Story... Insurance: Bigger threat than hurricanes By Molly McCartney. Islander Reporter Tom and Sabine Buehler have mixed feelings about last week's decision by state-run Citizens Property Insurance Corp. to postpone action on a proposed 767 percent increase on wind coverage Full Story... Congress passes drilling bill in lame-duck session By Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter Islanders opposed to an expansion of drilling in the Gulf said they hope one of the last votes in Congress' lame-duck session doesn't lead to a disaster that kills birds and other wildlife. Full Story... Men charged with poaching off Island Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officers have charged two men with a variety of fish poaching charges. Full Story... New bridge opening schedule: maybe by mid-January By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Islanders and Longboat Key residents could see implementation of new bridge opening times for the Cortez Bridge and Anna Maria Island Bridge by mid-January. 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.