Top Stories this week: Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2008 Santa heads south Santa Claus pays a visit to the mainland Nov. 21, stopping for a preview party at Sarasota Jungle Gardens' Holiday Lights and Jungle Nights extravaganza and to ask Florida vacationer Jackie Mutter what's on her wish list. The event continues through Dec. 28. This month, Santa will make at least five trips to Anna Maria Island. Islander Photo: Lisa Neff Island books Santa visits by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter Seasonal residents are on the return. Full Story... Long haul for bayside renourishment by Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter “It’s a huge project,” Anna Maria Mayor Fran Barford told homeowners along North Shore Drive and South Bay Boulevard interested in beach renourishment to protect their properties from future erosion. Full Story... Turtle Watch OKs pier boardwalk by Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch director Suzi Fox told an Anna Maria committee she was “excited” about the committee’s proposed project to construct a boardwalk in the city pier area. Full Story... Bridge Street dune under foot by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter Many times a day — most frequently at sunset — feet trample over the dune at the west end of Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach. Full Story... Planning board seeks planner by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter The Bradenton Beach Planning and Zoning Board reached agreement Nov. 13 that the city needs to contract for a planner. Full Story... Bradenton Beach pursues Florida-friendly projects by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter An advisory committee in Bradenton Beach is asking the city commission to adopt a policy for using Florida-friendly native plants in future municipal projects. Full Story... State may transfer responsibility of Egmont to Feds by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter To save money, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection is proposing the transfer of its management on Egmont Key to the federal government. Full Story... Haley's seeks help in recovery by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter Holiday lights will go up this week at Haley’s despite the twin tragedies of an “intentionally-set” fire and the unsolved disappearance of the motel’s co-owner. Full Story... Year passes in unsolved homicide by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter The one-year anniversary in the slaying of Carla Ann Beard passed quietly last week. Full Story... Fishers await mullet run by Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter For recreational fishers, the fall mullet run can be a smoking good time. Full Story... 'Cliffhanger' to open The Island Players presentation of “Cliffhanger,” the second play of the 2008-09 season, begins Thursday, Dec. 4, with an opening night. Full Story...