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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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June 14, 2018
By Joe Hendricks
Anna Maria Beach Survey

Survey stakes on Anna Maria beach explained

ANNA MARIA – The wooden survey stakes recently spotted along the beach north of the Sandbar restaurant pertain to storm erosion monitoring and not to any disputes over private beach rights, according…
June 14, 2018
By Joe Hendricks
Randy White residency

Commissioner addresses residency issues

BRADENTON BEACH – City Commissioner Randy White’s status as a city resident was indirectly questioned during last week’s Charter Review Committee (CRC) meeting. City Attorney Ricinda Perry said sh…
June 11, 2018
By Joe Hendricks
Sunshine Depositions

Sunshine lawsuit depositions continue

BRADENTON BEACH – Former Planning and Zoning Board member Patty Shay is now the third Sunshine lawsuit defendant deposed by attorney Robert Watrous. Shay was deposed Tuesday, June 5, at a court re…
June 10, 2018
By Joe Hendricks
Carjacking Police Department

Alleged carjacker remains in jail

BRADENTON BEACH – Rick Jeffrey Rowland, 43, remained in jail Saturday afternoon after being arrested on felony charges of carjacking and exploitation of an elderly person or disabled adult, according…
June 7, 2018
By Joe Hendricks
Anna Maria Pier Demolition

Speeler and Associates selected to demolish Anna Maria City Pier

ANNA MARIA – The city now has a firm under contract to demolish the Anna Maria City Pier. On Wednesday, June 6, the Anna Maria Commission voted 4-1 in favor of Mayor Dan Murphy being authorized to…
June 6, 2018
By Joe Hendricks
Bridge Tender Inn fire

Bridge Tender Inn survives electrical fire

BRADENTON BEACH – An electrical fire left the Bridge Tender Inn closed for business Wednesday evening, but the damage was apparently limited to the electric meter and the electrical system on the out…
June 6, 2018
By Joe Hendricks

Man arrested on carjacking, battery charges

Updated June 11, 2018 BRADENTON BEACH – A Bradenton Beach man was arrested Wednesday evening and charged with carjacking and battery on a disabled person in connection with an incident that occurr…
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…