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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 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…
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…