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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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November 21, 2017
By Joe Hendricks
Paddle Wheel boat

Paddle wheeler to set sail soon

BRADENTON BEACH – The Bradenton Beach Marina now has a bona fide 65-foot paddle wheeler in its fleet. “It’s a real paddle wheel boat. It’s propelled by the paddles. We just moved it 1,100 miles fr…
November 21, 2017
By Joe Hendricks
Kaleta Settlement

Kaleta to receive $1 million settlement

ANNA MARIA – Developer Shawn Kaleta and his Beach to Bay construction company will receive a $1 million payment according to settlement terms negotiated to end a federal lawsuit filed against the cit…
November 19, 2017
By Joe Hendricks
Aqua lawsuit

Beruff attorneys will co-defend Aqua lawsuit

BRADENTON – Aqua by the Bay developer Carlos Beruff has successfully intervened in a lawsuit against Manatee County that challenges the county commission’s recent approval of his development plans…
November 18, 2017
By Joe Hendricks
CNOBB dissolving

CNOBB coming to an end

BRADENTON BEACH – Despite voter approval of its three citizens initiatives on the November ballot, the Concerned Neighbors of Bradenton Beach (CNOBB) is dissolving due to philosophical differences am…
November 18, 2017
By Joe Hendricks
Christmas tree lighting

Christmas tree lighting and outdoor movie too

BRADENTON BEACH – On Saturday, Nov. 25, the Bridge Street Merchants will host its annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony. The holiday celebration will take place on Bridge Street, in the vacant lot…
November 14, 2017
By Joe Hendricks
CNOBB amendments

Elections alter Bradenton Beach’s political landscape

BRADENTON BEACH – The Nov. 7 elections reshaped the Bradenton Beach City Commission and changed how future commission races will be run. City voters elected Vice Mayor John Chappie to serve as the…
November 14, 2017
By Joe Hendricks
Anna Maria Veterans Day parade

Old Soldiers and Sailors parade honors vets

ANNA MARIA – The inaugural Old Soldiers and Sailors Veterans Day parade delighted cheering crowds lining Pine Avenue on Friday, Nov. 10. A bagpiper and color guard led the parade down Pine Avenue…
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…