Top Stories this week: Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2007 Constructive learning Third-grade students at Anna Maria Elementary build a replica of the Great Wall of China on the Gulf shore several blocks from the school. The construction project Feb. 9 marked the conclusion of the study of China and incorporated lessons in measurement and teamwork, as well as history, culture and geography. About 20 parents joined students and teachers. Islander Photo: Lisa Neff Commission declines to extend trolley route By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Citing safety concerns for the Island trolley traveling on roads heavily used by pedestrians, cyclists and children, the Anna Maria City Commission declined to ask the Manatee County Area Transit authority to extend its trolley route along North Shore Drive and North Bay Boulevard. Full Story... Anna Maria may sue over mold repairs By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Anna Maria city commissioners and Mayor Fran Barford are hopping mad at the fact that city operations have been temporarily relocated to the Island Baptist Church, while repairs caused by mold take place at the Gulf Drive facility. Full Story... Sandbar special event draws nearby residents ire By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter A special event permit request is normally a routine matter, but in Anna Maria, nothing is routine, particularly when it pertains to the Sandbar Restaurant and owner Ed Chiles. Full Story... Park-and-ride at Coquina among solutions suggested for parking 'fix' By Paul Roat Solutions to a longstanding parking problem are slowly reaching fruition in Bradenton Beach. Full Story... Bradenton Beach tree removal continues to draw criticism By Paul Roat Islanders have been vocal in their criticism of a pathway on the west side of Gulf Drive in Bradenton Beach from Fifth Street South to the Longboat Bridge. Full Story... 'Silver Mullet Festival' crowds Cortez By Jim Hanson. Islander Reporter Cortez has a problem that every festival host would die for - it has successed itself right to the limit, and still people keep pounding on the door. Full Story... Cortez Trailer Park has purchase offer By Jim Hanson. Islander Reporter He has received an offer of $10.8 million for the Cortez Trailer Park, the owner has advised occupants, and if they can match it they are welcome to buy. Full Story... Grouper ban Feb. 15-March 15 in federal waters in the Gulf The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries Service has announced a month-long closure of grouper fishing in federal waters. Full Story... GSR sales: $5.4 million disappears By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter The world's greatest detective could easily be called in to investigate a claim that bankrupt GSR Development LLC had $5.4 million in closings lined up between August and October 2005, but the deals fell through because the company wasn't able to come up with the money to finish the projects. The company eventually filed bankruptcy in July 2006. Full Story... 'Go Native' nature of talk By Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter The Holmes Beach Parks and Beautification Committee plans to give roots to the "Go Native" concept at a public forum Feb. 20. Full Story... HBPD launches business trespass program By Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter The Holmes Beach Parks and Beautification Committee plans to give roots to the "Go Native" concept at a public forum Feb. 20. Full Story... Galvano on insurance: 'I don't want to overstate' By Molly McCartney. Islander Reporter It was a gallant effort. Full Story... County acts to buy, preserve Perico land By Lisa Neff. Islander Reporter Manatee County commissioners want to exercise the government's option to purchase more than 231 acres of undeveloped land on Perico Island. Full Story... Man threatens 2 Islanders, arrest made The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Violent Crimes Task Force arrested William Russell, 27, of Bradenton, Friday, Feb. 9, according to a report from the MCSO. Full Story... Tidemark plans major announcement By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter In the wake of all the publicity surrounding the collapse of Island real estate projects such as Villa Rosa and Rosa del Mar, at least one development continues to move forward after overcoming a number of obstacles in the past five-and-a-half years. Full Story... Watering limits imposed Drought conditions have spurred the Southwest Florida Water Management District to impose lawn watering limits for the region, including Anna Maria 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.