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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 24, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
Noise violation lawsuits settled

Noise violation lawsuits settled

ANNA MARIA – The city of Anna Maria has reached settlement agreements with the owners of two short-term vacation rental properties that received three or more noise ordinance violation citations with…
April 17, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
Opposition to vacation rental legislation continues

Opposition to vacation rental legislation continues

ANNA MARIA – City officials continue to lead the opposition to proposed state legislation that would curtail local governments’ ability to regulate short-term vacation rentals. Senate Bill 714 and…
April 17, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
Mote Marine facility opening May 5

Mote Marine facility opening May 5

ANNA MARIA – The grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Mote Marine education outreach center on the City Pier remains on track for Friday, May 5. The ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. in…
April 10, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
City attorney: No reserved spaces for water taxi

City attorney: No reserved spaces for water taxi

BRADENTON BEACH – City Attorney Ricinda Perry told commissioners last week that they cannot promise to designate a reserved space for the proposed water taxi on the floating day dock next to the Brad…
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 Priva…
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…