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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 4, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
Proposed legislation could impact AMI condo owners

Proposed legislation could impact AMI condo owners

TALLAHASSEE – Two bills currently working their way through the Florida Legislature could significantly impact condominium associations and condominium owners on Anna Maria Island and throughout the…
April 3, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
Sgt. Getman returns to Anna Maria Unit

Sgt. Getman returns to Anna Maria Unit

ANNA MARIA – After suffering a major heart attack in December, Sgt. Brett Getman is back on duty and again leading the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office’s (MCSO) Anna Maria Unit. Getman’s heart atta…
March 27, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
City officials to discuss noise ordinance lawsuits

Vacation rental legislation moving forward

ANNA MARIA – City Attorney Becky Vose has requested separate shade meetings to discuss separate lawsuits pertaining to repeat noise ordinance violations at two vacation rental properties…
March 27, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
City commission revises water taxi agreement

City commission revises water taxi agreement

ANNA MARIA – The city commission has returned a revised interlocal agreement regarding the City Pier being used as a water taxi stop to Manatee County officials for further consideration…
March 27, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
Mote Marine outreach center to open in May

Mote Marine outreach center to open in May

ANNA MARIA – The grand opening celebration for Mote Marine Laboratory’s education outreach center on the City Pier is scheduled for Friday, May 5 at 10 a.m. Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy mad…
March 27, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
Ellen Scott deemed honorary Privateer

Ellen Scott deemed honorary Privateer

BRADENTON BEACH – Ellen Scott is now an honorary member of the Anna Maria Island Privateers. The Privateers surprised Scott with the honor during a March 15 fundraiser at the Drift In. The…
March 27, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
Hope remains for residents purchase of Pines Trailer

Price increases for Pines Trailer Park residents

BRADENTON BEACH – Pines Trailer Park residents will have to pay $250,000 more than they expected should they decide to purchase their park from the owner. Residents met again on March 15 t…
March 21, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
Bradenton Beach police officers receive medals

Police officers receive medals for saving a life

BRADENTON BEACH – Police officers Devon Straight and Charles “Chuck” Marose received recognition last week for saving a life. During the March 16 city commission meeting, Police Chief John…
March 20, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
Anna Maria officials oppose rental bill

Anna Maria officials oppose rental bill

ANNA MARIA – Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy traveled to Tallahassee last week to express the city’s opposition to Senate Bill 714. SB 714 is the Florida Legislature’s most recent move to further limi…
March 16, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
Mote receives another extension for pier facility

Mote receives another extension for pier facility

ANNA MARIA – Mote Marine Laboratory was given an additional two weeks to obtain a city-issued certificate of occupancy for the education outreach center being installed on the City Pier. On March…
March 13, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
Water taxi agreement revisions continue

Water taxi agreement revisions continue

ANNA MARIA – City and county officials continue to work on an interlocal agreement that would allow the Anna Maria City Pier to be used as a landing area for Manatee County’s pending water taxi servi…
March 13, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
Hunters Point prevails in dock permit challenge

Hunters Point prevails in dock permit challenge

CORTEZ – Administrative Law Judge Bruce Culpepper issued a recommended order supporting the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s issuance of a permit for the construction of 49 canal-side do…
March 7, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
Residents considering Pines Trailer Park purchase

Residents considering Pines Trailer Park purchase

BRADENTON BEACH – Residents of the Pines Trailer Park must soon decide if they have the desire and the means to collectively purchase for $16 million the 2.78-acre waterfront property their mobile ho…
March 7, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
Greg’s Last Dance will honor Greg Koeper’s life

‘Greg’s Last Dance’ will honor Greg Koeper’s life

BRADENTON – Former Swordfish Grill Manager Greg “Grego” Koeper passed away on Feb. 22, at the age of 67. In the early 2000s, Koeper was the owner/operator of Grego’s Almost to the Beach Tavern on…
March 6, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
City seeks partnerships with Shawn Kaleta

City seeks partnerships with Kaleta

BRADENTON BEACH – City officials are pursuing two potential public-private partnerships with the Bradenton Beach Marina’s new principal, developer Shawn Kaleta. One partnership pertains to propose…