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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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February 14, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
Vacation rental registration fees increasing

Vacation rental registration fees increasing

ANNA MARIA – Commissioners have established the city’s vacation rental registration fees for the year-long period encompassing portions of 2023 and 2024. The new fee will be $84.17 for each occupa…
February 9, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
Consolidation study for AMI cities won’t be pursued

Legislators change direction on consolidation of AMI cities

ANNA MARIA – State legislators say they no longer intend to commission a state-funded feasibility study on the potential consolidation of the three Anna Maria Island cities and their respective city…
February 7, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
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Bradenton Beach enacting food truck moratorium

BRADENTON BEACH – Commissioners are in the process of enacting a temporary citywide moratorium on food truck operations. On Feb. 2, the city commission, minus absent Commissioner Marilyn M…
February 7, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
Cortez Bridge meeting features updated replacement plans

Cortez Bridge meeting highlights updated replacement plans

BRADENTON – The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) hosted a public information meeting to provide new details about the pending Cortez Bridge replacement project. The informal set…
February 7, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
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Proposed consolidation study concerns city officials

BRADENTON BEACH – City commissioners continue to express concerns about legislative actions recently proposed by State Rep. Will Robinson Jr. and other state legislators. On Jan. 12, Robin…
January 31, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
Food truck ordinance adopted

Food truck ordinance adopted

ANNA MARIA – The city of Anna Maria has a new food truck ordinance in place that limits food truck operations to private properties located in C-1 (Commercial) zoning districts. On Thursday, Jan…
January 30, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
Cortez Bridge presentation details fixed-span bridge

Cortez Bridge presentation details fixed-span bridge

CORTEZ – The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is holding a public information meeting on the Cortez Bridge replacement project on Tuesday, Jan. 31 from 6-8 p.m. in the Kirkwood Presbyteria…
January 29, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
Salem appointed to Anna Maria Commission

Salem appointed to Anna Maria Commission

ANNA MARIA – Charlie Salem now serves in the Anna Maria City Commission seat recently vacated by Carol Carter. Salem will serve the remaining months of the two-year commission term that expires af…
January 29, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
Mayor proposes negotiation, not war, with state legislators

Mayor proposes negotiation, not war, with state legislators

ANNA MARIA – Mayor Dan Murphy proposes communicating rather than waging war with state legislators over parking garages and the potential consolidation or elimination of Anna Maria Island’s three cit…
January 29, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
Confederate monument discussion cancelled

Confederate monument discussion cancelled

BRADENTON – The Manatee County Commission discussion on the potential restoration of a controversial Confederate monument has been removed from the commission’s Tuesday, Jan. 31 meeting agenda. Ac…
January 24, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
Salem, Seymour seek city commission seat

Salem, Seymour seek city commission seat

ANNA MARIA – On Thursday, Jan. 26, the city commission will appoint Charlie Salem or Brian Seymour to fill the commission seat recently vacated by Carol Carter. Commissioners Mark Short, J…
January 23, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
County commission to discuss reinstalling Confederate monument

County commission to discuss reinstalling Confederate monument

BRADENTON – On Tuesday, Jan. 31, the Manatee County Commission will discuss reinstalling a Confederate memorial monument that was removed from its downtown Bradenton location in 2017. The…
January 23, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
Bradenton Beach Commission opposes state attacks on home rule

Bradenton Beach Commission opposes state attacks on home rule

BRADENTON BEACH – Protecting home rule rights will be the city commission’s top priority during the state legislative session that convenes on March 5. Home rule rights and the ability to…
January 17, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
‘Safety’ pilings placed in Hunters Point canal

Pilings placed in Hunters Point canal

CORTEZ – Seven new wooden pilings have been placed in the privately-owned Hunters Point canal near the canal-side entrance to the Cortez Village Marina. Installed last week, the pilings ha…
January 17, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
Oyster Bar plans enhancements for it's pier location

Oyster Bar proposes enhancements at pier location

BRADENTON BEACH – The Anna Maria Oyster Bar (AMOB) wants to enhance and expand its operations at and around the Bradenton Beach Pier. The desired enhancements include alcohol consumption b…