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Joe Hendricks

Joe Hendricks

February 11, 2017
Joe Hendricks the editor of the Anna Maria Island Sun. As a Sun reporter, Joe primarily covers the cities of Anna Maria and Holmes Beach, including those two city goverments. He also covers Island-related matters at the county and state levels.
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June 5, 2018
By Joe Hendricks
Anna Maria City Pier demolition

Pier demolition team selected, rejected

ANNA MARIA – Sully’s Quality Projects was rejected as the City Pier demolition contractor less than a week after being named the city’s first choice. On Tuesday, May 29, the City Commission, minus…
June 5, 2018
By Joe Hendricks
Deposition Reed Mapes

Mapes and Martin deposed in Sunshine lawsuit

BRADENTON BEACH – Sunshine Law lawsuit defendants Reed Mapes and Tjet Martin have been deposed by attorney Robert Watrous. Defendant Patty Shay is scheduled for deposition this week. Defendants Bi…
May 29, 2018
By Joe Hendricks
Anna Maria City Pier demolition

Sully’s Quality Projects deemed top choice for pier demolition

ANNA MARIA – Mayor Dan Murphy is now authorized to begin negotiations with the Venice-based Sully’s Quality Projects construction firm for the demolition of the Anna Maria City Pier. According to…
May 28, 2018
By Joe Hendricks
Bradenton Beach dock delays

Day dock project pushed back again

BRADENTON BEACH – City officials expect Technomarine to miss its July 4 deadline to install a new floating dock next to the Bridge Street Pier. On April 5, Technomarine President Jat Talton sent P…
May 24, 2018
By Joe Hendricks
Pier Demolition Bids

Second round of pier demolition bids in

Updated May 28, 2018 ANNA MARIA – After rejecting the first three bids for the demolition of the Anna Maria City Pier due mainly to higher-than-anticipated cost estimates, the mayor and City Commi…
May 23, 2018
By Joe Hendricks
Anna Maria Memorial Day Ceremony

Anna Maria honoring veterans on Memorial Day

ANNA MARIA – The City of Anna Maria will host a Memorial Day ceremony under the shade sail structure at City Pier Park on Monday, May 28 beginning at 10 a.m. The Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus a…
May 22, 2018
By Joe Hendricks
Cortez Florida Maritime Museum

Museum to host Coastal Community Celebration

CORTEZ – The Florida Maritime Museum will host its Coastal Community Celebration on Thursday, June 7 from 6 to 8 p.m. The after-hours event will be a fun and interactive event for adults and famil…
May 22, 2018
By Joe Hendricks
Cortez passport program

Cortez Passport promotes businesses, historic culture

CORTEZ – The merchants of historic Cortez village unveiled their forthcoming passport promotion at the Florida Maritime Museum on Wednesday, May 16. The intent is to have passport holders visit at…
May 22, 2018
By Joe Hendricks
Bradenton Beach Charter Review Committee

Charter Review Committee appointed

BRADENTON BEACH – The City Commission has appointed a five-member Charter Review Committee that is expected to begin reviewing the city charter in early June. The new committee consists of Mary Be…
May 21, 2018
By Joe Hendricks
Sunshine reaction

Sunshine press conference reactions differ

Updated May 26, 2018 BRADENTON BEACH – City residents Jim Hassett and Jack Clarke hold differing views on statements made during the Thursday, May 17 Sunshine Law lawsuit press conference. Afte…
May 20, 2018
By Joe Hendricks
Sunshine Press Conference

Press conference sheds light on Sunshine lawsuit

BRADENTON BEACH – Paralegal Michael Barfield says Sunshine Law violations that former city board members are accused of committing were not innocent mistakes made by uninformed volunteers. He also…
May 15, 2018
By Joe Hendricks
AMI Candidate Qualifying

Candidate qualifying takes place in June

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Are you considering running for a city commission seat? If so, the qualifying periods for city commission and mayoral candidates on Anna Maria Island will take place in June. C…
May 15, 2018
By Joe Hendricks
Bradenton Beach boats tagged

Abandoned boats tagged for removal

BRADENTON BEACH – Police have tagged four abandoned boats as part of the increased enforcement efforts taking place in the unmanaged anchorage near the historic Bridge Street Pier. On Tuesday, May…
May 15, 2018
By Joe Hendricks
Confederate monument debated

Confederate monument debate resumes

BRADENTON – By 4-3 vote, Manatee County Commissioners have rejected Vanessa Baugh’s motion to ask county voters if they want a Confederate monument returned to the Historic Courthouse in downtown Bra…
May 11, 2018
By Joe Hendricks
Sunshine defendants

Judge denies witness sequestration in Sunshine suit

BRADENTON – 12th Judicial Circuit Court Judge Lon Arend has rejected defendant John Metz’s request to sequester non-party witnesses in a Sunshine Law lawsuit. “I don’t find that I have the authori…