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Joe Hendricks

Joe Hendricks

February 11, 2017
Joe Hendricks is 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 governments. He also covers Island-related matters at the county and state levels, breaking Island news, events and entertainment and more.
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September 4, 2018
By Joe Hendricks

Rolling With The Tide on Saturday

Rolling With The Tide on a Saturday typical refers to a University of Alabama football game, but this weekend it will take on a different and more localized meaning. Anna Maria resident and Full T…
September 4, 2018
By Joe Hendricks
Anna Maria pier FEMA

FEMA proposes $1.37 million for pier damage

ANNA MARIA – The City Commission has accepted a $1.37 million staff recommendation from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that would help fund the construction of a new city pier. Dur…
September 4, 2018
By Joe Hendricks
red tide canal shores

Canal cleanup revisited

MANATEE COUNTY – Manatee County paid APTIM approximately $140,000 for a week’s worth of canal cleaning services, according to Information Outreach Manager Nick Azzara. During a Monday, Aug. 27, pr…
September 4, 2018
By Joe Hendricks
red tide business challenges

Businesses working hard to offset red tide

The Sun reached out to the local business community on Sunday to see how their Labor Day weekend was going as they continue to rebound from the red tide’s economic impacts. “Business has picked up…
September 4, 2018
By Joe Hendricks
red tide diver crab

A scuba diver’s view of red tide

The recent red tide produced fish kills that littered the Island’s Gulf-side beaches and this begs the question: Are there any fish left in this part of the Gulf? Sarasota-based professional under…
August 30, 2018
By Joe Hendricks
red tide beach

Red tide lingers

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Today’s red tide update from Manatee County indicates improving conditions on some Anna Maria Island beaches, but red tide levels remain high in the water at both ends of the Isla…
August 29, 2018
By Joe Hendricks

Businesses team up for Turtle Watch Wednesday

HOLMES BEACH – As part of their ongoing efforts to offset the economic challenges created by red tide, A Paradise Realty and Vacation Rentals and Hurricane Hank’s are partnering in their efforts to b…
August 29, 2018
By Joe Hendricks
Anna Maria City Pier

Second pier construction RFP being issued

ANNA MARIA – Mayor Dan Murphy expects a new request for proposals (RFP) for the construction of a new city pier to be issued by the end of this week. During the Aug. 23 City Commission meeting, Mu…
August 28, 2018
By Joe Hendricks
Manatee Primary

Bellamy, Servia and Whitmore win primary races

Incumbent Manatee County Commissioner Carol Whitmore won her primary race, incumbent Commissioner Charles Smith lost his and Misty Servia won the District 4 Republican primary contest. Reggie…
August 28, 2018
By Joe Hendricks
Nets to neighbors

‘Nets to Neighbors’ next phase of red tide cleanup

BRADENTON – After one week, Manatee County has ended its contracted canal and waterway cleanup efforts with APTIM and is transitioning to a voluntary “Nets to Neighbors” cleanup and maintenance campa…
August 28, 2018
By Joe Hendricks
red tide canal cleanup

County contracting APTIM for canal cleanup

BRADENTON – Manatee County is contracting APTIM to remove the dead fish and marine life accumulating in residential canals and channels due to red tide. The pending contractual arrangement was ann…
August 25, 2018
By Joe Hendricks
Red tide sign

Red tide update

MANATEE COUNTY – Red tide continues to impact Anna Maria Island beaches and Manatee County waterways. In water samples tested by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission as of Friday…
August 21, 2018
By Joe Hendricks
red tide Recovery Meeting

Restaurateurs combat red tide

CORTEZ – Local restaurateurs, food and beverage industry professionals and others gathered at the Swordfish Grill last week to discuss the economic impacts of red tide. The hour-long informal disc…
August 14, 2018
By Joe Hendricks
Beach raker Tide Raker Read

Beach raker to the rescue

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Manatee County equipment operator Mark Taylor has played a crucial role in the red tide cleanup efforts taking place on the Island’s Gulfside beaches. Using a tractor to pull a…
August 14, 2018
By Joe Hendricks
Manatee County seal

County praised for cleanup, but…

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – City officials on Anna Maria Island are praising Manatee County’s response to the red tide crisis, particularly in terms of cleaning up the beaches along the Gulf of Mexico shorel…