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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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April 10, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
Old Town Tram contract extended

Old Town Tram contract extended

BRADENTON BEACH – The contract for the Old Town Tram parking shuttle service has been extended for another year. First launched as a one-year pilot program in November 2020, the Old Town Tram cons…
April 10, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
AMOB pier improvements making headway

AMOB pier improvements making headway

BRADENTON BEACH – The Anna Maria Oyster Bar (AMOB) took a few more steps in the ongoing process to make several improvements to its Bradenton Beach Pier-based operation. Led by company president J…
April 10, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
AMI Moose Lodge hosts Easter egg hunt

AMI Moose Lodge hosts Easter egg hunt

BRADENTON BEACH – Anna Maria Island Moose Lodge #2188 in Bradenton Beach hosted its annual Easter egg hunt last Saturday morning. Ninety-six children were registered in advance to participate in t…
April 8, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
Canal-related residential dock dispute lingers on

Canal-related residential dock dispute lingers on

CORTEZ – A civil lawsuit regarding residential docks located in a canal owned by the Hunters Point Resort & Marina remains unresolved and the court filings continue. Filed with the 12th Judici…
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…