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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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July 25, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
Bradenton Beach CRA budget planning begins

Bradenton Beach CRA budget planning begins

BRADENTON BEACH – The Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) expects to receive $635,677 in ad valorem property tax revenues during the 2023-24 fiscal year. City Treasurer Shayne Thomp…
July 25, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
Canal dispute lawsuits linger on

Canal dispute lawsuits linger

CORTEZ – The legal filings continue in civil litigation pertaining to residential docks and boat lifts located along the man-made canal surrounding the Hunters Point development. A preliminary heari…
July 25, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
AMOB enhancements progressing

AMOB enhancements progressing

BRADENTON BEACH – The Anna Maria Oyster Bar (AMOB) is getting closer to completing several improvements sought for its Bradenton Beach Pier-based restaurant operations. On July 20, the Bradenton Bea…
July 25, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
Christmas in July benefits underprivileged kids

Christmas in July benefits underprivileged kids

BRADENTON BEACH – The Anna Maria Island Privateers and the Drift In raised $2,350 during Saturday’s annual Christmas in July fundraiser. Saturday evening’s fundraising efforts included two raffles…
July 17, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
County water taxis arrive

County water taxis arrive

ANNA MARIA – Manatee County’s two newly-built water taxis have arrived and negotiations continue between the county and the city of Anna Maria regarding the City Pier being used as a water taxi stop…
July 17, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
City hopes to incentivize permanent residents

City hopes to incentivize permanent residents

ANNA MARIA – City officials are exploring the possibility of using grants and other incentives to attract and retain full-time residents. City Commissioner Charlie Salem first proposed the idea du…
July 11, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
Marina appeals Hunters Point dock ruling

Marina appeals Hunters Point dock ruling

CORTEZ – The Cortez Village Marina ownership group is appealing a recent Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) governing board ruling that permits the construction of 49 residential do…
July 11, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
Pat Copeland’s life and legacy celebrated

Pat Copeland’s life, legacy celebrated

ANNA MARIA – Pat Copeland’s celebration of life included family, friends, co-workers, tears, laughter, music, poetry and a New Orleans-style second-line march down Pine Avenue. Pat passed away on…
July 3, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
AMI Moose lodge wins another Premier Lodge Award

AMI Moose Lodge wins another Premier Lodge Award

BRADENTON BEACH – The Anna Maria Island Moose Lodge #2188 has won a Premier Lodge Award for a second consecutive year. The honor was bestowed upon the AMI lodge and several other qualifying lodges n…
July 3, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
New state law impacts local ordinances

New state law impacts local ordinances

ANNA MARIA – Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed legislation that makes it more challenging for Florida cities and counties to adopt local ordinances. On June 29, DeSantis signed into law legislation the…
July 3, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
State restricts local land use regulations

State restricts local land use regulations

ANNA MARIA – The three city governments on Anna Maria Island are among the Florida cities now temporarily prohibited from adopting comprehensive plan or land development code amendments that are more…
June 29, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
Coquina Beach parking lot improvements nearly complete

Coquina Beach parking lot improvements nearly complete

BRADENTON BEACH – Almost the entire Coquina Beach parking lot is now available to beachgoers, including those visiting the beach during the extended Fourth of July weekend. The second phase of Man…
June 29, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
Racing boat visiting Drift In

Racing boat visiting Drift In

BRADENTON BEACH – One of the offshore racing boats participating in the 39th Annual Sarasota Grand Prix powerboat races will make a post-race appearance at the Drift In in Braden­ton Beach on Monday…
June 26, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
Incentives proposed for permanent Anna Maria residents

Incentives proposed for permanent Anna Maria residents

ANNA MARIA – The city’s 2023-24 fiscal year budget may include a feasibility study aimed at attracting and retaining permanent residents through property tax breaks and building code incentives. O…
June 24, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
Protestors oppose beach parking garage

Protestors oppose beach parking garage

BRADENTON – More than 50 concerned citizens and city officials gathered on Friday to protest Manatee County’s plans to build a 1,500-space, three-story parking garage at Manatee Beach in Holmes Beach…