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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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August 14, 2018
By Joe Hendricks
Red Tide Sunset

Governor declares state of emergency due to red tide

TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Rick Scott has issued an executive order declaring a state of emergency due to impacts of red tide in Manatee County and six other counties. Sarasota, Hillsborough, Pinellas, Ch…
August 11, 2018
By Joe Hendricks
Red Tide Cortez Fishermen

Cortez fishermen assist with red tide cleanup

ANNA MARIA – The city of Anna Maria called upon Cortez fishermen Nathan Meschelle and Michael Dolan to help remove dead fish that littered the city shoreline because of red tide. Meschelle and Dol…
August 7, 2018
By Joe Hendricks
AM Pier Permit

Pier construction permits issued

ANNA MARIA – The city now has the federal permits needed to build a new city pier. On Friday, Aug. 3, Mayor Dan Murphy sent an email to city commissioners that said, “We have just received the app…
August 7, 2018
By Joe Hendricks
Red Tide Bradenton Beach Anchorage

Red tide reaches Anna Maria Island

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The impacts of red tide are being felt up and down Anna Maria Island. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration website describes red tide as an algae bloom that prod…
July 31, 2018
By Joe Hendricks
Bradenton Beach stormwater outflow

Stormwater projects reevaluated

BRADENTON BEACH – When discussing pending stormwater projects for Avenue C and Avenue B, city commissioners decided they want Avenue C repaved as soon as possible. Avenue C and the driveways that…
July 31, 2018
By Joe Hendricks

Planning and Zoning chair resigns

BRADENTON BEACH – Bradenton Beach Planning and Zoning Board chairman Jim Lynch has resigned. Lynch submitted his written resignation by email to Mayor John Chappie, City Clerk Terri Sanclemente an…
July 31, 2018
By Joe Hendricks
Anna Maria pier bids

Pier construction bids rejected

ANNA MARIA – The city pier has been demolished, and the search continues for a construction firm to build the new pier. Last week, city commissioners unanimously supported Mayor Dan Murphy’s recom…
July 24, 2018
By Joe Hendricks
Island loses residents

Island loses two more residents

ANNA MARIA – David Youngs and Nate Solomon are the latest permanent residents to leave Anna Maria Island. Last week, the married couple closed on their new home in The Villages in Central Florida…
July 24, 2018
By Joe Hendricks
Merman Storm returns

Merman makes return visit

BRADENTON BEACH – The mythical merman has returned to Bradenton Beach. Last year, the mysterious male mermaid was photographed near the BeachHouse restaurant, and his picture ran in The Sun, but i…
July 24, 2018
By Joe Hendricks
Bradenton Beach day dock shipment

Proof of pending dock shipment received

BRADENTON BEACH – On Monday, July 23, Technomarine Chief Operating Officer Ryan Miller emailed city officials a draft version of a “bill of lading” for the shipment of the premanufactured floating do…
July 24, 2018
By Joe Hendricks
Anna Maria pier demo pile

Pier demolition ahead of schedule

ANNA MARIA – A visit to the Anna Maria City Pier late Friday afternoon indicated the demolition process is proceeding at a rapid pace and is ahead of schedule. Only a short section of pier remaine…
July 20, 2018
By Joe Hendricks
AM Pier Vandalism

Pier banner vandalism suspect arrested

ANNA MARIA – Holmes Beach resident Michael Lee Brown was arrested on Thursday, July 19, on a third-degree felony charge of criminal mischief ($1,000 or more) in connection with two Anna Maria City Pi…
July 17, 2018
By Joe Hendricks
Anna Maria Pier Vandalism

Pier banner vandalized

ANNA MARIA – The city pier restoration project banner was vandalized at some point over the weekend. Located near the foot of the pier that is currently being demolished, the banner featured a render…
July 13, 2018
By Joe Hendricks
AM Pier building gone

Pier demolition begins

ANNA MARIA – The demolition of the hurricane-damaged Anna Maria City Pier began Monday and the restaurant and bait shop at the pier’s T-end were demolished and removed on Thursday. St. Petersburg-…
July 10, 2018
By Joe Hendricks
Holmes Beach Coyote

Coyotes sighted in Holmes Beach

HOLMES BEACH – There have been three reported coyote sightings in Holmes Beach in the past week and pet owners are advised not to leave their pets outside and unattended. At approximately 8:50 a.m…