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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 30, 2017
By Joe Hendricks

Sunshine lawsuit prompts more resignations

BRADENTON BEACH – Three more defendants named in a Sunshine Law lawsuit have resigned from their city board or committee positions. On Wednesday, Aug. 23, Planning and Zoning Board member John Met…
August 25, 2017
By Joe Hendricks

Four qualify in Anna Maria election

ANNA MARIA – Anna Maria’s two-week period to qualify for the city election ended at noon Friday and four candidates will run in the city elections this fall. Carol Carter, Doug Copeland, Laurie Jo…
August 24, 2017
By Joe Hendricks
Confederate memorial toppling

Confederate monument damaged in move

BRADENTON – The Confederate memorial monument in front of the Manatee County Historic Courthouse was damaged when it was removed Thursday morning. Before county commissioners recessed for lunch du…
August 23, 2017
By Joe Hendricks
Aqua model

Aqua by the Bay on life support

BRADENTON – Carlos Beruff’s Aqua by the Bay development plans were on the verge of collapsing Wednesday evening when Manatee County Commissioner Carol Whitmore suggested the vote be delayed and the m…
August 22, 2017
By Joe Hendricks
Aqua Bay - View from Bay

Aqua by the Bay review continues

BRADENTON – Some county residents feel the Aqua by the Bay developers’ ever-changing plans are creating an elusive and moving target for county commissioners to rule on. The Manatee County Commiss…
August 22, 2017
By Joe Hendricks
Confederate Memorial protest

Monument will be moved

The Manatee County Commission voted 4-3 in favor of removing and relocating the Confederate monument at the Historic Courthouse in downtown Bradenton Tuesday. Potential new locations will include…
August 21, 2017
By Joe Hendricks
John Chappie

Chappie seeks mayor’s seat

BRADENTON BEACH – Vice Mayor John Chappie has filed his resign to run paperwork and intends to run for the mayor’s seat currently held by Bill Shearon. Shearon declared his intention Monday to see…
August 21, 2017
By Joe Hendricks
Confederate Memorial at Manatee County Courthouse H1 082317 JH

Confederate memorial prompts protests, debate

BRADENTON – The Confederate memorial downtown stands covered in plywood today in anticipation of a scheduled Unity March and counter protests. Manatee County Commissioners voted against removing t…
August 19, 2017
By Joe Hendricks
Bill Shearon

Charter amendment e-mails revealed

In their efforts to form the Concerned Neighbors of Bradenton Beach (CNOBB) group, several e-mails were exchanged that expressed an intent to empower Mayor Bill Shearon and others by getting three pr…
August 16, 2017
By Joe Hendricks
Carlos Beruff

Support wanes for Aqua by the Bay

BRADENTON – Manatee County Planning Commissioners and county staff reversed their previous positions and now recommend denial of Carlos Beruff’s Aqua by the Bay development. On Thursday, Aug. 10…
August 9, 2017
By Joe Hendricks

Sunshine lawsuit filed

BRADENTON BEACH – Six current and former city board and committee members are named as defendants in a Sunshine Law suit filed Friday. “This is an action of the Government-in-the-Sunshine Law agai…
August 9, 2017
By Joe Hendricks

Petition drives start in Bradenton Beach

The Concerned Neighbors of Bradenton Beach (CNOBB) group is conducting a petition drive in hopes of getting three charter amendment questions placed on the November ballot. CNOBB members want city…
August 1, 2017
By Joe Hendricks
Shark dragging

Shark dragging incident has Island ties

The first week of an ongoing Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) investigation into an online video of a shark being dragged behind a speeding boat produced public outcry, but lit…
July 18, 2017
By Joe Hendricks

City proposes state vacation rental law

ANNA MARIA – The city is going on the offensive in fighting for the protection of Florida cities’ home rule rights when it comes to regulating short-term vacation rentals. City Attorney Becky Vose…
July 5, 2017
By Joe Hendricks
Anna Maria City Pier

Second pier firm dismissed

ANNA MARIA – During an emergency meeting called by Mayor Dan Murphy, the City Commission decided Monday morning not to enter into negotiations with Taylor Engineering to design and permit the rehabil…