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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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June 19, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
Pat Copeland, an Island treasure

Pat Copeland, an Island treasure

ANNA MARIA – Beloved Anna Maria resident, newspaper reporter and Island historian Pat Copeland passed away on Tues­day, June 13, at the age of 76. She passed away at Manatee Memorial Hospital in B…
June 12, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
Water taxi agreement disappoints Anna Maria officials

Water taxi agreement disappoints Anna Maria officials

ANNA MARIA – Mayor Dan Murphy and the city commission are not yet willing to sign a proposed interlocal agreement that would allow Manatee County to use the City Pier as a water taxi stop. The cou…
June 12, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
Condo inspection bill signed into law

Condo inspection bill signed into law

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed into law new state legislation that will impact condominium associations and owners. On June 9, DeSantis signed the legislation recently ad…
June 12, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
Elevating library could create more public parking

Elevating library could create more public parking

BRADENTON BEACH – Mayor John Chappie proposes further elevating the Tingley Memorial Library to create a ground-level public parking lot below the library building. The city-owned library was buil…
June 12, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
Commission ends commercial activity discussions

Commission ends commercial activity discussions

ANNA MARIA – The city won’t enact any additional prohibitions or regulations pertaining to commercial activity in city rights of way and other public spaces. The Anna Maria City Commission reached…
June 12, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
Parking analysis sought

Parking analysis sought

BRADENTON BEACH – The Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) has authorized a $1,400 analysis of an existing city parking lot in hopes of creating additional public parking spaces. The authorization…
June 12, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
Bortell’s Lounge for sale

Bortell’s Lounge for sale

ANNA MARIA – Bortell’s Lounge is on the market with a $7.2 million asking price. Pat Bucko is serving as the broker for Bortell’s Lounge owner Steve Rose. According to Bucko’s online listing, t…
May 29, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
National Safe Boating Week raises awareness

National Safe Boating Week raises awareness

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – National Safe Boating Week, May 20-26, was an annual reminder for boaters to prioritize safety while enjoying Florida’s waterways. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Co…
May 29, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
Board rules in favor of Hunters Point docks

Board rules in favor of Hunters Point docks

CORTEZ – The Southwest Florida Water Management District’s (SWFWMD) governing board has adopted a final order that allows 49 residential docks/boat slips to be built along the Hunters Point canal as…
May 29, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
Commission discusses commercial activity in public spaces

Commission discusses commercial activity in public spaces

ANNA MARIA – City Commission Chair Mark Short doesn’t want Anna Maria’s parks, beaches and rights of way to be commercialized in a manner similar to what’s currently taking place along the Palma Sola…
May 29, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
Anna Maria opts out of Gulf Drive study

Anna Maria opts out of Gulf Drive study

ANNA MARIA – The city-owned portion of Gulf Drive will not be included in a corridor study conducted by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). On May 25, the Anna Maria City Commission u…
May 27, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
Anna Maria hosting two events on Memorial Day

Anna Maria hosting two events on Memorial Day

ANNA MARIA – The city of Anna Maria’s Memorial Day Patriotic Symphony Salute and the city’s Centennial Symphony celebration will take place back-to-back at City Pier Park on Memorial Day. The city…
May 22, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
FDOT plans Gulf Drive corridor study

FDOT plans Gulf Drive corridor study

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The city commission will decide whether the Anna Maria-owned portion of Gulf Drive will be included in a $1.5 million Island-wide Gulf Drive corridor study. The commission is e…
May 22, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
ARP funds to be used for Pine Avenue streetlights

ARP funds used for Pine Avenue streetlights

ANNA MARIA – The city commission will use $183,000 in remaining American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds to help pay for the future installation of new streetlights along Pine Avenue. On May 11, Mayor Dan…
May 22, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
Final order expected for Hunters Point dock challenge

Final order expected for Hunters Point dock challenge

CORTEZ – The Southwest Florida Water Management District’s governing board is expected to issue an approved final order regarding the Hunters Point Resort & Marina dock permitting efforts. The…