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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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September 26, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
City Pier ferry stop approved

Ferry will stop at Anna Maria

ANNA MARIA – The city commission has approved an interlocal agreement that allows Manatee County to use the City Pier as a Gulf Island Ferry stop. The unanimous approval granted on Sept. 21 ends a l…
September 25, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
Sebring departs Anna Maria Commission

Sebring departs Anna Maria Commission

ANNA MARIA – City Commissioner Deanie Sebring has vacated her city commission seat. Sebring participated in her final commission meeting on Sept. 21. In October, she and her husband, Tripp, are movi…
September 19, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
Budget approval expected Thursday

City budget approval expected Thursday

ANNA MARIA – The city commission will host a second and final public hearing for the adoption of the city’s $17.89 million 2023-24 fiscal year budget on Thursday, Sept. 21 at 5:01 p.m. During the co…
September 19, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
Vote by mail requests require annual renewal

Vote-by-mail requests require annual renewal

MANATEE COUNTY – Manatee County voters who plan to vote by mail during the 2024 election cycle need to submit a request that vote-by-mail ballots be sent to them. According to a press release issu…
September 18, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
WMFR vacation rental inspections begin

WMFR vacation rental inspections begin

HOLMES BEACH – On Oct. 1, West Manatee Fire Rescue (WMFR) will begin mandatory annual inspections of all short-term vacation rentals in the fire district that includes Anna Maria Island, Cortez and p…
September 13, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
Pines Trailer Park sold

Pines Trailer Park sold

BRADENTON BEACH – Developer Shawn Kaleta’s Pines Park Investors LLC has purchased the Pines Trailer Park in Bradenton Beach. Formed on May 5, Pines Park Investors LLC lists the Najmy Thompson law…
September 12, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
Gulf Island Ferry visits Anna Maria Pier

Gulf Island Ferry visits Anna Maria Pier

ANNA MARIA – Manatee County and Anna Maria city officials continue to discuss the safety and docking modifications needed to accommodate a Gulf Island Ferry stop at the city pier. Those negotiations…
September 12, 2023
By Joe Hendricks

Two city commission vacancies pending

ANNA MARIA – In the coming months, the Anna Maria City Commission will have two vacant commission seats to fill by commission appointment. Commissioner Deanie Sebring’s final meeting will be on Sept…
September 12, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
Azure Shores ordinance headed to city commission

Azure Shores ordinance headed to city commission

BRADENTON BEACH – An ordinance that will fix existing zoning map and future land use map inconsistencies for 23 properties in the Azure Shores subdivision is ready for city commission review and appr…
September 12, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
Anna Maria hosts centennial celebration

Anna Maria hosts centennial celebration

ANNA MARIA – On Sunday, the city of Anna Maria celebrated its 100th anniversary for the second time this year. Taking place again at City Pier Park, Sunday’s celebration served as a follow-up to the…
September 1, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
Hurricane Idalia floods Anna Maria Island

Hurricane Idalia swamps Anna Maria Island

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Much of Anna Maria Island experienced storm surge and king tide-related flooding, but the barrier island survived Hurricane Idalia mostly unscathed. During the evening hours of…
September 1, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
County sewer project enters second phase

County sewer project enters second phase

BRADENTON BEACH – The Woodruff & Sons construction company is now working along 12th Street South as Manatee County’s extensive sewer improvement project in Bradenton Beach continues. On Aug. 23…
September 1, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
City revising sandwich board sign regulations

City revising sandwich board sign regulations

ANNA MARIA – If an amended city ordinance is adopted in October, city businesses will be allowed one A-frame sandwich board sign per business address. City Attorney Becky Vose presented the previous…
September 1, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
Construction site violation fine reduced

Construction site violation fine reduced

ANNA MARIA – City commissioners have reduced a builder’s potential fine for beginning work without a permit from $29,331 to $2,500. On Aug. 2, the city issued a stop work order to the Eason Builders…
September 1, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
Mayors tentatively embrace consolidation study

Mayors tentatively embrace consolidation study

ANNA MARIA – The three Island mayors are united in their response to Sen. Jim Boyd and Rep. Will Robinson Jr.’s ongoing efforts to consolidate city services to reduce property taxes. During the Aug…