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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 25, 2024
By Joe Hendricks

Kaleta seeks plea agreement for DUI arrest

BRADENTON – In response to a driving under the influence (DUI) arrest in 2023, local developer Shawn Kaleta has entered into a Driver Enhanced Treatment Education Rehabilitation (DETER) program contr…
November 25, 2024
By Joe Hendricks
Anna Maria honors Dan Murphy

Anna Maria honors Dan Murphy

ANNA MARIA – Newly-elected Mayor Mark Short presided over an emo­tional farewell ceremony for longtime Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy. Due to a health issue, Murphy did not attend the ceremony that o…
November 23, 2024
By Joe Hendricks
Manatee County Sheriff's Office

Repeat offender arrested for vacation rental trespassing

ANNA MARIA – Devon Keith Guidry, 28, of Bradenton, was arrested on Nov. 11 after being observed entering a residence at 107 Maple Ave. in Anna Maria. According to a press release issued by the Man…
November 23, 2024
By Joe Hendricks
Rock ‘N’ Support grant application period opens

Rock ‘N’ Support grant application period opens

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The application period for hospitality and tourism industry employees seeking $250-$500 hurricane relief grants opened on Nov. 14. On Nov. 13, The Center of Anna Maria Island r…
November 23, 2024
By Joe Hendricks
Hurricane damage prompts commissioner’s resignation

Hurricane damage prompts commissioner’s resignation

ANNA MARIA – Jon Crane has resigned from the Anna Maria City Commission. He announced his resignation during the city commission’s Nov.14 hurricane recovery-related emergency meeting. “ ‘I come he…
November 20, 2024
By Joe Hendricks
Lynyrd Skynyrd lends its Rock ‘N’ Support

Lynyrd Skynyrd lends its Rock ‘N’ Support

PALMETTO – Lynyrd Skynyrd honored and celebrated their southern rock legacy and their deceased band members while barnstorming the Bradenton Area Convention Center on Friday night as part of the Rock…
November 20, 2024
By Joe Hendricks
Damage assessments completed in Holmes Beach

Damage assessments completed in Holmes Beach

HOLMES BEACH – The hurricane-related substantial damage assessments have been completed in Holmes Beach and the debris removal efforts continue. On Nov. 15, Superintendent of Public Works and City…
November 20, 2024
By Joe Hendricks
Bradenton man loses leg to flesh-eating bacteria

Bradenton man loses leg to flesh-eating bacteria

BRADENTON – A 66-year-old Braden­ton resident had his leg amputated on Nov. 11 after coming in contact with flesh-eating bacteria (vibrio vulnificus) at a time when confirmed vibrio vulnificus cases…
November 20, 2024
By Joe Hendricks
‘Let’s Give Thanks Together’ reservations available

‘Let’s Give Thanks Together’ reservations available

ANNA MARIA – The people of Anna Maria Island, Cortez and the surrounding communities will come together on Thanksgiving Day for a celebration of gratitude, hope and community connection. The Let’s…
November 20, 2024
By Joe Hendricks
TDC discusses post-hurricane marketing

TDC discusses post-hurricane marketing

MANATEE COUNTY – The Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (BACVB) is engaged in post-hurricane marketing to help bring tourists back to Anna Maria Island. BACVB Executive Director Elliott…
November 9, 2024
By Joe Hendricks
Kaleta solicits post-hurricane development investors

Kaleta solicits post-hurricane development investors

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – At a time when some Anna Maria Island property owners are trying to save their hurricane-damaged homes, developer Shawn Kaleta is seeking investors to help him redevelop Anna Mari…
November 5, 2024
By Joe Hendricks
Manatee County Election Results

Kruse, Siddique, Felts, McCann win Manatee County commission races

MANATEE COUNTY – Republican candidate Tal Siddique won the District 3 Manatee County Commission seat, defeating Democratic candidate Diana Shoemaker. Incumbent Republican candidate George Kruse wo…
November 5, 2024
By Joe Hendricks
Anna Maria mayor's race

Mark Short wins Anna Maria mayor’s race

ANNA MARIA – Current City Commission Chairman and Vice-Mayor Mark Short will serve as Anna Maria’s next mayor. Running unopposed, incumbent city commissioner Gary McMullen and former charter revie…
November 4, 2024
By Joe Hendricks
‘Let’s Give Thanks Together’ on Thanksgiving

‘Let’s Give Thanks Together’ on Thanksgiving

ANNA MARIA – Duncan Real Estate owner Darcie Duncan, The Center of Anna Maria Island Executive Director Chris Culhane and others are organizing a Thanksgiving Day “Let’s Give Thanks Together” communi…
November 4, 2024
By Joe Hendricks
Commission supports mayor’s pier repair request

Commission supports mayor’s pier repair request

ANNA MARIA – City commissioners support Mayor Dan Murphy’s request to pursue a proposed $331,992 contract with the George F. Young engineering firm to assist with the repair of the hurricane-damaged…