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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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April 1, 2024
By Joe Hendricks
Commission promises to preserve parking spaces

Commission promises to preserve parking spaces

ANNA MARIA – City leaders have pledged not to eliminate parking places to accommodate the potential extension of the existing multi-use path along Gulf Drive. On March 28, the Anna Maria City Comm…
April 1, 2024
By Joe Hendricks
City Pier Park will soon be dog-friendly

City Pier Park will soon be dog-friendly

ANNA MARIA – Leashed dogs will soon be allowed in City Pier Park, including during some special events held in the park. The city of Anna Maria’s code of ordinances currently prohibits dogs and ot…
March 29, 2024
By Joe Hendricks
Heritage Day features fun and fundraising

Heritage Day features fun and fundraising

ANNA MARIA – While celebrating Anna Maria Island’s historic past, the Anna Maria Island Historical Society’s annual Heritage Day celebration raised more than $3,000. Taking place from 10 a.m. to 2…
March 25, 2024
By Joe Hendricks
Six charter amendments proposed

Six charter amendments proposed

ANNA MARIA –The Anna Maria Charter Review Committee is propos­ing six potential charter amendments for city commission consideration. The five-member volunteer com­mittee completed its comprehensi…
March 25, 2024
By Joe Hendricks
AMI Moose Lodge hosts kids’ Easter party

AMI Moose Lodge hosts kids’ Easter party

BRADENTON BEACH – Due to rainy weather, Saturday morning’s Easter egg hunt at the Anna Maria Island Moose Lodge took place inside the lodge. The annual event usually features hundreds of brightly…
March 25, 2024
By Joe Hendricks
Business owners oppose multi-use path extension

Business owners oppose multi-use path extension

ANNA MARIA – Some business owners are concerned about the city’s desire to extend the multi-use path along Gulf Drive that runs from the entrance of the city to Willow Avenue. They say that extend…
March 19, 2024
By Joe Hendricks
Anna Maria seeks to amend CBD prohibitions

Anna Maria seeks to amend CBD prohibitions

ANNA MARIA – The city of Anna Maria is trying to revise its current marijuana prohibitions in a manner that would allow CBD and hemp products to be legally sold in the city. The city’s code of ord…
March 19, 2024
By Joe Hendricks
Gulf Islands Ferries now running five days a week

Gulf Islands Ferries now running five days a week

MANATEE COUNTY – The Gulf Islands Ferry service will expand service to five days a week beginning Wednesday, March 20. Featuring stops at the City Pier in Anna Maria, the Bradenton Beach Pier and…
March 18, 2024
By Joe Hendricks

Anna Maria responds to county consolidation option

ANNA MARIA – The city of Anna Maria has responded to a March 5 request for information from OPPAGA regarding the potential consolidation and annexation of the city into Manatee County. The cities…
March 18, 2024
By Joe Hendricks
Ellen Scott celebrated

Ellen Scott celebrated

BRADENTON BEACH – Family and friends joyously celebrated the life and legacy of longtime Braden­ton Beach resident and honorary Privateer Ellen Scott at the Drift In on Saturday, March 16. Ellen pass…
March 18, 2024
By Joe Hendricks
Anna Maria increasing vacation rental registration fees

Anna Maria increasing vacation rental registration fees

ANNA MARIA – The city is increasing its occupancy-based annual vacation rental registration fee from $84.17 to $93.92 per occupant allowed by the local vacation rental ordinance. The annual regist…
March 11, 2024
By Joe Hendricks
Charter review produces potential amendments

Charter review produces potential amendments

ANNA MARIA – The Anna Maria Charter Review Committee has nearly completed its review of the city charter and will soon recommend potential charter amendments to the city commission. The city chart…
March 11, 2024
By Joe Hendricks
Ellen Scott was a local treasure

Ellen Scott was a local treasure

BRADENTON BEACH – Longtime Bradenton Beach and Pines Trailer Park resident Ellen Scott passed away at her home on Friday, March 1 at the age of 85. Ellen was born in Detroit, Michigan on Dec. 8, 1…
March 10, 2024
By Joe Hendricks
Vacation rental legislation awaits DeSantis’ decision

Vacation rental legislation awaits DeSantis’ decision

TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis will decide the fate of proposed vacation rental legislation that seeks to preempt vacation rental regulation to the state. Supported by the Florida Senate and Hous…
March 5, 2024
By Joe Hendricks
Garden Club named Distinguished Citizens of the Year

Garden Club named Distinguished Citizens of the Year

ANNA MARIA – The Anna Maria Island Garden Club is the winner of the city’s Distinguished Citizens of the Year award. The club will receive its award during the March 14 city commission meeting that…