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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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November 9, 2017
By Joe Hendricks
Anna Maria Pier Planks

Pier plank plan pending

ANNA MARIA – Mayor Dan Murphy is working on a plan to reuse the engraved wooden planks on the Anna Maria City Pier. The planks will be removed when a new pier is built to replace the aging and storm-…
November 9, 2017
By Joe Hendricks
Latvala cancels parade appearance

Latvala cancels parade appearance

ANNA MARIA – Amidst accusations of sexual harassment, Florida Sen. Jack Latvala has bowed out of the city of Anna Maria’s “Old Soldiers & Sailors” parade and Veterans Day ceremony taking place Fr…
November 8, 2017
By Joe Hendricks
John Metz

Metz defense challenges Sunshine Law

BRADENTON BEACH – Lawsuit defendant John Metz and his attorney, Thomas Shults, claim the Florida Sunshine Law is unconstitutional. “Mr. Metz feels the entire Sunshine Law is unconstitutional. He w…
November 7, 2017
By Joe Hendricks
Aqua lawsuit

Aqua by the Bay approval challenged

BRADENTON – The battle over the Aqua by the Bay development is not over. On Thursday, Nov. 2, attorney Ralf Brookes filed a legal challenge to the project approval that Manatee County Commissioner…
November 7, 2017
By Joe Hendricks
Chappie wins

Chappie and White win Bradenton Beach elections

BRADENTON BEACH – City voters have spoken: Former Mayor John Chappie will take over the mayor’s seat held by Bill Shearon. Randy White will take over the Ward 3 commission seat held by Ralph Cole;…
November 7, 2017
By Joe Hendricks
Anna Maria Elections Carter Wins

Incumbents sweep Anna Maria elections

ANNA MARIA – Anna Maria voters want incumbent City Commissioners Carol Carter, Doug Copeland and Dale Woodland to serve additional two-year terms in office, as first-time candidate Laurie Jo Higgins…
November 4, 2017
By Joe Hendricks
Anna Maria shade sails

Shade sails hoisted

The $84,975 shade sail structure is now in place at City Pier Park in Anna Maria. “I think it adds a dramatic look to the park and it’s a great start toward finalizing our City Pier Park,” Mayor D…
November 4, 2017
By Joe Hendricks
Veterans Park, Bradenton

Letter affirms Confederate monument opposition

BRADENTON – Manatee County commissioners face opposition by the Manatee County Veteran’s Council to placing a historic Confederate monument in Veterans Park. Veterans Council chairman Carl Hunsing…
November 2, 2017
By Joe Hendricks
Bradenton Beach CNOBB filings insufficient

 CNOBB filings deemed insufficient

BRADENTON BEACH – The statement of organization and campaign treasurer’s report recently filed by the Concerned Neighbors of Bradenton Beach (CNOBB) both contain insufficiencies, according to the cit…
November 1, 2017
By Joe Hendricks
Bill Shearon calls

Mayor in frequent contact with Sunshine defendants

BRADENTON BEACH – Mayor Bill Shearon has had several private phone calls over the past two months with defendants named in a Sunshine Law lawsuit initiated by the city and resident Jack Clarke. Th…
November 1, 2017
By Joe Hendricks
artsHOP

Call issued for ‘Seahorses’ artists

The Bridge Street Merchants in Bradenton Beach are issuing a call to artists for the Third Annual Bridge Street Public Art Project, and this year’s theme is “Seahorses.” Affiliated with the 11th a…
October 31, 2017
By Joe Hendricks

Mayor’s race enters final week

BRADENTON BEACH – Voters will soon decide whether Mayor Bill Shearon serves a third term as mayor or Vice Mayor John Chappie returns to the mayor’s seat he held for three terms before spending eight…
October 21, 2017
By Joe Hendricks
Vets reject Confederate monument

Veterans Council rejects monument relocation

BRADENTON – The Manatee County Veterans Council opposes a Confederate monument being relocated to Veterans Park, near the Bradenton Riverwalk. The 16-1 opposition vote took place Thursday, Oct. 19…
October 20, 2017
By Joe Hendricks
Anna Maria Pier design firm

Preliminary plans call for modern pier

ANNA MARIA – The new Anna Maria City Pier will feature concrete pilings and beams, plastic composite decking, and come with an estimated $3.4 million price tag if built according to the preliminary p…
October 18, 2017
By Joe Hendricks
Kaleta federal settlement

City settling Kaleta lawsuit out of court

ANNA MARIA – Developer Shawn Kaleta and the city of Anna Maria have brokered a settlement that, when finalized, will alleviate the need for the city to defend itself in federal court. The settleme…