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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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January 10, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
Cortez Bridge meeting scheduled

Cortez Bridge meeting scheduled

CORTEZ – The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will host a public information meeting for the pending Cortez Road bridge replacement project. FDOT’s in-person presentation is scheduled o…
January 4, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
Year in Review: Beyond the Island

Year in Review: Beyond the Island

MANATEE COUNTY – Beyond the confines of Anna Maria Island, a canal dispute, mangrove trimmings and a proposed water taxi service were among The Sun’s top news stories in 2022. Hunters Point In Cort…
January 4, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
Anna Maria: The Year in Review

Anna Maria: The Year in Review

ANNA MARIA – Reimagining Pine Avenue, Mote Marine, food trucks and noise violations were among the top new stories in Anna Maria in 2022. Projects Mayor Dan Murphy and the city commission spent muc…
January 4, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
Bradenton Beach: The Year in Review

Bradenton Beach: The Year in Review

BRADENTON BEACH – Old Town Trams, an anticipated dock expansion project, additional utility line undergrounding, eliminating term limits and Hurricane Ian damage were among the top news stories in Br…
January 4, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
Resiliency project plans to be further discussed

Resiliency project plans to be further discussed

BRADENTON BEACH – One resident’s concerns about a proposed resiliency project garnered enough interest from Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) members to seek an additional plans review. After r…
January 4, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
Coquina Beach drainage project still impacting parking

Drainage project still impacting beach parking

BRADENTON BEACH – Portions of the Coquina Beach parking lot remain closed to beachgoers as work on the second phase of Manatee County’s extensive drainage improvement project continues. The projec…
December 28, 2022
By Joe Hendricks
Sewer project will soon impact Bradenton Beach traffic

Sewer project impacts Bradenton Beach traffic

BRADENTON BEACH – Manatee County’s sewer rehabilitation project is expected to cause traffic interruptions and parking challenges in Bradenton Beach beginning in late January. On Dec. 15, Project…
December 28, 2022
By Joe Hendricks
Renegades motorcycle club delivers Christmas joy

Renegades motorcycle club delivers Christmas joy

BRADENTON BEACH – The Bradenton chapter of the Renegades motorcycle club made its annual Christmas gift delivery to the Drift In in Bradenton Beach on Dec. 19. This year’s recipient family was Tas…
December 20, 2022
By Joe Hendricks
Refurbished bikes bring Christmas joy

Refurbished bikes bring Christmas joy

ANNA MARIA – Resident Carl Augostini believes every kid should have a bike and each Christmas season he donates refurbished bikes to the Light of the World International Church in Sarasota…
December 20, 2022
By Joe Hendricks
Vetting process enacted for commission appointment

Vetting process enacted for commission appointment

ANNA MARIA – Carol Carter has vacated her Anna Maria City Commission seat and the commission is using a new pre-selection vetting process to appoint her successor. Running unopposed in 202…
December 20, 2022
By Joe Hendricks
New hotel complex proposed for Bridge Street

New hotel complex proposed for Bridge Street

BRADENTON BEACH – A major development permit application and initial site plans have been submitted for the proposed development of a hotel complex at the corner of Bridge Street and Gulf Dri…
December 12, 2022
By Joe Hendricks
Bright Holiday Lights contest winners announced

Bright Holiday Lights contest winners announced

ANNA MARIA – The city’s annual Bright Holiday Lights decorating contest produced a first-time residential category winner and a repeat winner in the business category. Former Keep Manatee…
December 12, 2022
By Joe Hendricks
Santa stops in Anna Maria

Santa Stops in Anna Maria

ANNA MARIA – Hundreds of people showed up to visit Santa Claus during the city’s Santa Stops Here event. Public Works Manager Ryan Wieland delivered Santa Claus to the City Pier Park shade…
December 12, 2022
By Joe Hendricks
Flood control project engineering completed

Flood control project engineering completed

BRADENTON BEACH – The engineering services for a state-funded flood control project will cost the city an additional $15,978. The engineering for the flood control project was completed ea…
December 12, 2022
By Joe Hendricks
Pine Avenue businesses share holiday treasures

Pine Avenue businesses share holiday treasures

ANNA MARIA – Pine Avenue was awash with holiday spirit and a sense of community during Friday night’s Holiday of Treasures Open House. From 5:30 to 8 p.m., the businesses along Pine Avenue…