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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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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…
December 12, 2022
By Joe Hendricks
Beatlemania Now recreates The Beatles’ magic

BeatleMania Now recreates The Beatles’ magic

ANNA MARIA – The Center’s 2022- 23 Bradenton Gulf Island Concert Series kicked off on Saturday with a musical blast from the past in the form of BeatleMania Now. Created and produced by Sc…
December 6, 2022
By Joe Hendricks
Beatlemania Now invading Anna Maria

‘Beatlemania Now’ invading Anna Maria

ANNA MARIA – Saturday night’s “Beatlemania Now” show will transport concertgoers through the 1960s, the decade during which The Beatles became the most famous and influential rock band in the world…
November 30, 2022
By Joe Hendricks
Anna Maria Island loses a beloved Renaissance man

Anna Maria Island loses a beloved Renaissance man

HOLMES BEACH – Resident Dr. André Renard passed away on Nov. 22 at the age of 82. Renard, a plastic surgeon, was married to former Manatee County Commissioner and former Holmes Beach Mayo…
November 30, 2022
By Joe Hendricks
Farm-City Week honors local farmers and ranchers

Farm-City Week honors local farmers, ranchers

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Thanksgiving meals recently enjoyed and holiday meals yet to come this season wouldn’t be possible without the farmers and ranchers that provide our food. Each year, Fa…
November 30, 2022
By Joe Hendricks
Past actions could impact Azure Shores land use designations

Past actions could impact Azure Shores land use designations

BRADENTON BEACH – The city’s efforts to rezone and/or amend the future land use map designations for several residential properties in the Azure Shores subdivision may not be needed after all…
November 24, 2022
By Joe Hendricks
Wicked Cantina expansion requires code interpretation

Wicked Cantina expansion requires code interpretation

BRADENTON BEACH – The Planning and Zoning Board supports Wicked Cantina owner Michael Dolan’s request to permanently expand his existing outdoor seating area, but another public hearing by th…
November 24, 2022
By Joe Hendricks
Holiday merriment takes over Bridge Street

Holiday merriment takes over Bridge Street

BRADENTON BEACH – Merchants and city officials launched the Season of Lights and Spirit light display that will continue to shine through the New Year and that’s not the only holiday event ha…
November 14, 2022
By Joe Hendricks
Anna Maria honors veterans and military spouses

Anna Maria honors veterans, military spouses

ANNA MARIA – The city’s seventh annual Old Soldiers & Sailors Veterans Day parade and post-parade recognition ceremony honored military veterans and their spouses on Friday. The parade…
November 14, 2022
By Joe Hendricks
A new chapter in life awaits Carol and Bob Carter

A new chapter in life awaits Carol, Bob Carter

ANNA MARIA – Longtime community members and city officials Carol and Bob Carter are moving to Sarasota County in December. The Carters moved into their Anna Maria home in 2001. Carol’s departure w…
November 8, 2022
By Joe Hendricks
Bradenton Beach voters eliminate term limits

Bradenton Beach voters eliminate term limits

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Bradenton Beach voters have eliminated the term limits that previously applied to the city’s mayor and city commissioners. Bradenton Beach’s registered voters supported three o…
November 8, 2022
By Joe Hendricks
Mini reefs at pier repaired without approval

Mini reefs at pier repaired without approval

BRADENTON BEACH – Some of the mini reefs installed under the Bridge Street Pier in June 2020 were recently repaired without the approval of Bradenton Beach officials, and the vendor is asking for pay…