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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 19, 2024
By Joe Hendricks
43 million gallons of sewage discharged during Debby

43 million gallons of sewage discharged during Debby

BRADENTON – During and after what was then Tropical Storm Debby, the city’s water reclama­tion facility discharged an estimated 25 million gallons of raw and partially treated sewage into the Manatee…
August 12, 2024
By Joe Hendricks
Pine Avenue sidewalk discussions continue

Pine Avenue sidewalk discussions continue

ANNA MARIA – The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has authorized Mayor Dan Murphy to meet with a representative of Eason Builders regarding the installation of brick paver sidewalks along…
August 12, 2024
By Joe Hendricks
City disputes water contamination news report

City disputes water contamination news report

Updated Aug. 13, 2024 ANNA MARIA – On Friday, Aug. 9, Mayor Dan Murphy issued a press release disputing a Foxweather.com news report alleging that a Tropical Storm Debby-related sewage spill in Brad…
August 12, 2024
By Joe Hendricks
Satcher access removed, Clear Ballot delayed

Satcher access removed, Clear Ballot delayed

MANATEE COUNTY – The access code to the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections’ tabulation and ballot storage room will be changed to prevent Interim Supervisor James Satcher from entering that room…
August 12, 2024
By Joe Hendricks
Flooding main storm impact in Anna Maria

Flooding main storm impact in Anna Maria

ANNA MARIA – Flooding and drainage were the primary issues in Anna Maria during and after Tropical Storm Debby. There was also some minor damage to the City Pier. On Aug. 8, Anna Maria Mayor Dan Mur…
August 5, 2024
By Joe Hendricks
Commissioners propose larger tax cut

Commissioners propose larger tax cut

ANNA MARIA – Mayor Dan Murphy recently presented his $10.4 million proposed capital plan for the 2024-25 fiscal year. The plan was based on a proposed 1.75 tentative millage rate that would have low…
August 5, 2024
By Joe Hendricks
Culbreath issues campaign letter

Culbreath issues campaign letter

MANATEE COUNTY – April Culbreath, the District 3 Manatee County Commission Republican primary candidate, did not respond to multiple interview requests made by The Sun, but on July 30, many Manatee C…
August 5, 2024
By Joe Hendricks
Siddique discusses county commission campaign

Siddique discusses county commission campaign

MANATEE COUNTY – Tal Siddique is running against April Culbreath in the District 3 Manatee County Commission Republican primary race that will determine who faces Democratic candidate Diana Shoemaker…
August 1, 2024
By Joe Hendricks
Elections office implementing Clear Ballot audit system

Elections office implementing Clear Ballot audit system

MANATEE COUNTY – The Supervisor of Elections Office will conduct post-election audits for all election contests, beginning with the upcoming primary election that concludes on Aug. 20. On July 25…
July 29, 2024
By Joe Hendricks
Reimagining Pine Avenue bid selected

Reimagining Pine Avenue bid selected

ANNA MARIA – Longboat Key-based Eason Builders is the city of Anna Maria’s first choice to install new brick paver sidewalks and new crosswalks along Pine Avenue between Gulf Drive and North Shore Dr…
July 29, 2024
By Joe Hendricks
Six candidates report SIMWINS expenditures

Six candidates report SIMWINS expenditures

MANATEE COUNTY – Three more Republican candidates seeking office in Manatee County have reported campaign expenditures made to Anthony Pedicini’s Tampa-based Strategic Image Management (SIMWINS) poli…
July 29, 2024
By Joe Hendricks
Bradenton fisherman rescues injured motorist

Bradenton fisherman rescues injured motorist

ST. PETERSBURG – Bradenton resident Eric Astemborski’s swift actions and quick thinking helped save a motorist who crashed his car on I-275, north of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. Astemborski, a com…
July 29, 2024
By Joe Hendricks
Anna Maria property owners getting tax break

Anna Maria property owners getting tax break

ANNA MARIA – City property owners will see their property taxes reduced in the coming year. On July 25, the Anna Maria City Commission voted 3-2 to adopt a tentative 1.65 millage rate for the comi…
July 27, 2024
By Joe Hendricks
County administrator seeks favor from mayor

County administrator seeks favor from mayor

BRADENTON BEACH – Manatee County Administrator Charlie Bishop put Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie in an awkward position when he sought the mayor’s assistance in shortening his anticipated wait ti…
July 22, 2024
By Joe Hendricks
Anna Maria budget preparations continue

Anna Maria budget preparations continue

ANNA MARIA – The fiscal year 2024-25 city budget being crafted by Mayor Dan Murphy and city com­missioners proposes $5.82 million in operating and general expenses during the new fiscal year that beg…