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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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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…
September 30, 2024
By Joe Hendricks
Recovery process continues in Anna Maria

Recovery process continues in Anna Maria

ANNA MARIA – As hurri­cane recovery efforts con­tinue, the city’s focus shifts to debris removal efforts that began on Monday morning. “Our top priority now is to get household goods out to the ri…
September 30, 2024
By Joe Hendricks
Residents and business owners return to Holmes Beach

Residents and business owners return to Holmes Beach

HOLMES BEACH – Residents and business owners began returning to Holmes Beach on Saturday to assess the damage inflicted by Hurricane Helene. At 10 a.m. Saturday morning, Mayor Judy Titsworth and P…
September 28, 2024
By Joe Hendricks
Hurricane recovery underway on Anna Maria Island

Hurricane recovery underway on Anna Maria Island

BRADENTON BEACH – In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the recovery and restoration efforts on Anna Maria Island have begun. On Friday, return access to the Island was limited to first responders…
September 27, 2024
By Joe Hendricks

Hurricane Helene hits Anna Maria Island

BRADENTON BEACH – The morning after Hurricane Helene, Gulf Drive is buried below at least a few feet of sand, with sinkholes and buckled pavement. Some homes and businesses sustained structural da…
September 23, 2024
By Joe Hendricks
Educational signs coming to John Chappie Park

Educational signs coming to John Chappie Park

BRADENTON BEACH – Two educational “Wildlife of Anna Maria Island” signs will soon be placed in John Chappie Park. The park, 1400 Gulf Drive N., is across the street from the Bermuda Bay Club condomi…
September 23, 2024
By Joe Hendricks
Preserving home rule rights a top priority

Preserving home rule rights a top priority

BRADENTON BEACH – City officials are compiling a list of priorities for the Florida Legislature’s 2025 session that starts on March 4. When fully compiled, the list of Braden­ton Beach’s legislati…
September 23, 2024
By Joe Hendricks
Planning board reviews parking regulations

Planning board reviews parking regulations

ANNA MARIA – Planning and Zoning Board members are reviewing the city’s parking regulations with an emphasis on reducing visibility challenges created by parked vehicles. Joined by City Planner As…
September 23, 2024
By Joe Hendricks
Police chief named public works director

Police chief named public works director

BRADENTON BEACH – Police Chief John Cosby is also now the city’s permanent public works director. Cosby previously served as the city’s temporary public works director since longtime director Tom…
September 23, 2024
By Joe Hendricks
Sun archive installed at Historical Museum

Sun archive installed at Historical Museum

ANNA MARIA – The new Anna Maria Island Sun newspaper archive is now on permanent display at the Anna Maria Island Historical Museum. The newspapers were preserved by longtime Sun reporter and copy…
September 16, 2024
By Joe Hendricks
Pavers selected for Pine Avenue sidewalks

Pavers selected for Pine Avenue sidewalks

ANNA MARIA – City commissioners have selected the specific type of pervious brick pavers to be used to install new side­walks along Pine Avenue. The first phase of the new brick paver sidewalks wi…
September 16, 2024
By Joe Hendricks
City pursuing drainage study funds

City pursuing drainage study funds

ANNA MARIA – City officials are pursuing a coastal resiliency grant to fund a study that identifies the best locations to install underground pumps and pipes to speed the removal of floodwaters from…