Skip to main content
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.
Email Joe Hendricks
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…
July 22, 2024
By Joe Hendricks
Bradenton Beach budgeting begins

Bradenton Beach budgeting begins

BRADENTON BEACH – City officials will maintain the current 2.3329 millage rate as part of the $4.85 million budget being prepared for the 2024-25 fiscal year that begins Oct. 1. The proposed budge…
July 18, 2024
By Joe Hendricks

Chiles Hospitality selling Sandbar, Beach House, Mar Vista

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Ed Chiles, the owner of Chiles Hospitality, is selling the Sandbar Seafood & Spirits restaurant in Anna Maria, the Beach House Waterfront Restaurant in Bradenton Beach and the…
July 16, 2024
By Joe Hendricks
Mike LaPensee celebrated

Mike LaPensee celebrated

HOLMES BEACH – Mike LaPensee’s life was joyously celebrated at the Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach on Sunday, July 14. Mike passed away on June 22 at the age of 79. Standing near a table filled wi…
July 15, 2024
By Joe Hendricks
Pedicini consulting for Satcher, Van Ostenbridge, Turner

Pedicini consulting for Satcher, Van Ostenbridge, Turner

MANATEE COUNTY – During a recent Supervisor of Elections debate, candidate James Satcher refused to acknowledge he’s us­ing Anthony Pedicini as his political consultant. Manatee County Commission…
July 15, 2024
By Joe Hendricks
AMI community ‘rises up’ for River

AMI community ‘rises up’ for River

ANNA MARIA – The Anna Maria Island commu­nity is coming out in sup­port of Mackenzie Morgan, Jonathan Anasis, their 3 1/2-month-old son, River Anasis, and their young daughter, Vayda Anasis. On Ju…
July 15, 2024
By Joe Hendricks
Holmes Beach ferry stop discussed

Holmes Beach ferry stop discussed

HOLMES BEACH – City elected officials are discussing with Manatee County tourism officials whether to add a Gulf Island Ferry stop in Holmes Beach. Currently, Manatee County’s contracted ferry ser…
July 8, 2024
By Joe Hendricks
Candidates Farrington, Satcher answer voter questions

Candidates Farrington, Satcher answer voter questions

MANATEE COUNTY – Manatee County Supervisor of Elections candidates Scott Farrington and James Satcher squared off in a June 19 debate hosted by the Lakewood Ranch Republican Club. After the debate, b…
July 8, 2024
By Joe Hendricks
Mike LaPensee leaves a lasting legacy

Mike LaPensee leaves a lasting legacy

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – LaPensee Plumbing, Pools and Air co-founder, LaPensee family patriarch and beloved community member Mike LaPensee passed away on June 22. He was 79. A celebration of life will…
July 1, 2024
By Joe Hendricks
Second Pine Avenue RFP authorized

Second Pine Avenue RFP authorized

ANNA MARIA – As part of a block-by-block implementation strategy, the city of Anna Maria is issuing a request for proposals (RFP) for phase 1-B of the Reimagining Pine Avenue brick paver sidewalk ins…
July 1, 2024
By Joe Hendricks
Mayor proposes reduced millage rate

Mayor proposes reduced millage rate

ANNA MARIA – Mayor Dan Murphy proposes lowering Anna Maria’s current 2.05 millage rate to the 1.8245 rollback rate, or lower. The rollback rate is the rate needed to generate the same ad valorem p…
June 28, 2024
By Joe Hendricks
DeSantis vetoes vacation rental bill

DeSantis vetoes vacation rental bill

TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed proposed state legislation that would have significantly hindered city and county governments’ ability to regulate short-term vacation rentals locally. The F…