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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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October 27, 2024
By Joe Hendricks
Gulf Island Ferry service resuming soon

Gulf Island Ferry service resumes

ANNA MARIA – Manatee County’s Gulf Island Ferry service between downtown Bradenton and Bradenton Beach will resume on Friday, Nov. 1. Ferry service to Anna Maria remains on hold due to concerns ab…
October 25, 2024
By Joe Hendricks
Lynyrd Skynyrd headlining local hurricane relief concert

Lynyrd Skynyrd headlining local hurricane relief concert

PALMETTO – Legendary southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd is coming to Palmetto to assist local hospitality workers impacted by hurricanes Helene and Milton. And they’re bringing blues, rock and souther…
October 24, 2024
By Joe Hendricks
Hurricane Hank's, Operation BBQ Relief provide free meals

Hurricane Hank’s, Operation BBQ Relief provide free meals

HOLMES BEACH – On Friday, Hurricane Hank’s provided free lunches for city employees, members of the Holmes Beach Police Department and other first responders. Across the street, in the Anna Maria…
October 24, 2024
By Joe Hendricks
City Pier badly damaged, temporary ferry landing installed

City Pier badly damaged, temporary ferry landing installed

ANNA MARIA – The Anna Maria City Pier fared well during Hurricane Helene, but Hurricane Milton erased a large chunk of the pier walkway. According to Mayor Dan Murphy, the remaining portion of the…
October 24, 2024
By Joe Hendricks
City Pier Grill operator discusses damage, recovery

City Pier Grill operator discusses pier damage

ANNA MARIA – A few days after Hurricane Milton struck Anna Maria Island, City Pier Grill operator and pier tenant Brian Seymour and his sister, Rebecca, dropped by to view the damage. During that…
October 20, 2024
By Joe Hendricks
Anna Maria debris removal nearly complete, deadline set

Anna Maria debris removal nearly complete

ANNA MARIA – The city is suspending its hurricane debris removal efforts at midnight on Thursday, Oct. 24. The debris removal deadline was discussed and approved during the Anna Maria City Commiss…
October 20, 2024
By Joe Hendricks
Elections Office adapting to hurricane impacts; AMI polling locations changed

Elections Office adapting to hurricane impacts; AMI polling locations changed

MANATEE COUNTY – The Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office is taking steps to minimize the impacts back-to-back hurricanes have on the general election that concludes Nov. 5, with vote-by-mai…
October 20, 2024
By Joe Hendricks
Pines’ residents devastated by damage, ‘uninhabitable’ homes

Pines’ residents devastated by damage, ‘uninhabitable’ homes

BRADENTON BEACH – Pines Trailer Park residents Mary Mox and Lesley Mullaney are among those who’ve been told their mobile homes are considered uninhabitable, mostly due to flood damage sustained duri…
October 18, 2024
By Joe Hendricks
Son's Rod & Reel Pier memorial plaque returned to parents

Parents reunited with Rod & Reel Pier memorial plaque

ANNA MARIA – A memorial plaque that hung on a wall at the Rod & Reel Pier in memory of 10-year-old Max Schiller has been returned to his parents, United Kingdom residents Shira and David Schiller…
October 18, 2024
By Joe Hendricks
Rod & Reel Pier owner hopes to rebuild

Rod and Reel Pier owner hopes to rebuild

ANNA MARIA – Rod & Reel Pier owner Oliver “Oli” Lemke hopes to rebuild the iconic pier and restaurant building that was badly damaged by Hurricane Helene and then destroyed by Hurricane Milton…
October 15, 2024
By Joe Hendricks
Anna Maria checkpoint, curfew suspended

Anna Maria checkpoint, curfew suspended; emergency declarations extended

ANNA MARIA – Sunday morning, Mayor Dan Murphy renewed for seven additional days two previously issued hurricane-related emergency orders. Monday morning, he discontinued the nightly curfew and the…
October 6, 2024
By Joe Hendricks
Anna Maria, Manatee County preparing for Hurricane Milton

Anna Maria, Manatee County preparing for Hurricane Milton

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – City and county officials are preparing for Hurricane Milton as the Hurricane Helene recovery efforts continue. Mayor Dan Murphy and the Anna Maria City Commission held an emer…
October 6, 2024
By Joe Hendricks
Vacation rentals still allowed in Anna Maria

Vacation rentals still allowed in Anna Maria

ANNA MARIA – Prior to the approach of Hurricane Milton, Mayor Dan Murphy and city commissioners decided they would not enact a vacation rental moratorium. Unlike the city of Holmes Beach, the citi…
October 4, 2024
By Joe Hendricks
Power, mail restored in Bradenton Beach, new storm concerns emerge

Power, mail restored in Bradenton Beach, new storm concerns emerge

BRADENTON BEACH – On Friday morning, (Oct. 4), City Attorney Ricinda Perry provided an update on the ongoing hurricane recovery efforts taking place in the city. When speaking to The Sun, Perry ad…
October 1, 2024
By Joe Hendricks
Police chief addresses return access, power restoration, damage assessment

Police chief addresses return access, power restoration, damage assessment

BRADENTON BEACH – Police Chief and Public Works Director John Cosby provided The Sun with an extensive update on Oct. 1 regarding the conditions in the city and when residents, property owners, and b…