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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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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…
May 19, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
Pines Trailer Park purchase offer accepted

Pines Trailer Park purchase offer accepted

BRADENTON BEACH – A May 8 letter Largo-based attorney David Luczak sent to the Pines Trailer Park Homeowners Association board members addresses the sale of the waterfront mobile home park. The accep…
May 15, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
Alternative to Azure Shores rezoning proposed

Old documents provide new Azure Shores solution

BRADENTON BEACH – Building Official Steve Gilbert’s review of the city’s 1989 comprehensive plan and 1990 land development code (LDC) may help resolve an existing land use concern. The residential…
May 15, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
New sewer line will abut Peninsula Bay property

New sewer line will service future Peninsula Bay development

CORTEZ – The tree and bush clearing activity currently taking place along the north side of Cortez Road West, between 115th Street West and the West Manatee Fire Rescue station, is associated with a…
May 15, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
Non-conforming lot ordinance on hold

Non-conforming lot ordinance on hold

ANNA MARIA – The Anna Maria City Commission is delaying action by a month on a proposed ordinance pertaining to multiple non-conforming lots located on a single property. The commission reached th…
May 8, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
Proposed vacation rental legislation fails

Proposed vacation rental legislation fails

TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Legislature has failed in its efforts to preempt the regulation of short-term vacation rentals to the state. During the 60-day legislative session that concluded on May 5…
May 8, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
Mote Marine Science, Education and Outreach Center opens

Mote Marine Science, Education & Outreach Center opens

ANNA MARIA – The Mote Marine Science, Education & Outreach Center on the City Pier is now open free of charge from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. The long-awaited Mote facility opened Friday, May 5…
May 8, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
Bradenton Beach’s paid parking efforts continue

Bradenton Beach’s paid parking efforts continue

BRADENTON BEACH – The city is moving forward with its plan to implement a paid parking program as the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) plans to issue an RFP seeking bids from interested paid park…
May 1, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
Vacation rental bills reach final votes

Vacation rental bills reach final votes

ANNA MARIA – Local governments, including those on Anna Maria Island, are in danger of losing their ability to regulate short-term vacation rentals at the local level. Using a contracted lobbyist…
May 1, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
Latest Reimagining Pine Avenue bid rejected

Latest Reimagining Pine Avenue bid rejected

ANNA MARIA – The City Commission rejected the latest single bid received to install new sidewalks along both sides of Pine Avenue on April 27. The mayor and commissioners now hope to use state fun…
April 25, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
Pines purchase efforts fall short

Pines purchase efforts fall short

BRADENTON BEACH – The residents of the Pines Trailer Park have fallen short in their efforts to purchase the 86-unit waterfront mobile home park property. In late January, Pines residents were inf…
April 25, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
WMFR planning annual vacation rental inspections

WMFR planning annual vacation rental inspections

BRADENTON BEACH –The West Manatee Fire Rescue (WMFR) district has informed city officials about its plan to conduct annual safety inspections of short-term vacation rentals. WMFR Fire Marshal Rodn…