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Joe Hendricks

Joe Hendricks

February 11, 2017
Joe Hendricks 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 goverments. He also covers Island-related matters at the county and state levels.
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May 17, 2022
By Joe Hendricks
FDEP releases Aqua mangrove trimming report

FDEP releases Aqua mangrove trimming report

MANATEE COUNTY – The mangroves on the Aqua property along Sarasota Bay were recently trimmed in compliance with state-issued permits, but the trimming notification process was not fully compliant, ac…
May 16, 2022
By Joe Hendricks
City receives one bid for Pine Avenue project

City receives one bid for Reimagining Pine Avenue project

ANNA MARIA – Sarasota-based C-Squared CGC Inc. is the only construction firm that submitted a bid proposal in response to the request for proposals (RFP) issued for the Reimagining Pine Avenue projec…
May 16, 2022
By Joe Hendricks
Concert for Peace highlights local Campaign for Ukraine

Concert for Peace highlights local Campaign for Ukraine

ANNA MARIA – The Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island, The Center of Anna Maria Island, Bob Slicker of Slicker’s Eatery, A Paradise Realty, Painting with a Twist and others are joining forces to assist t…
May 16, 2022
By Joe Hendricks
National Safe Boating Week emphasizes boater safety

National Safe Boating Week promotes water safety

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – National Safe Boating Week is a great time to have your watercraft inspected and brush up on how to stay safe while having fun on the water. Anna Maria resident and Anna Maria…
May 9, 2022
By Joe Hendricks
Permitting efforts continue for 105 Elm Avenue

Permitting efforts continue for 105 Elm Ave.

UPDATED May 10, 2022 – ANNA MARIA – A silt fence has been erected on the undeveloped beachfront property at 105 Elm Ave., reigniting interest in an ongoing permitting process. Bradenton resident F…
May 9, 2022
By Joe Hendricks
Incident sheds light on city’s policing challenges

Incident sheds light on city’s policing challenges

BRADENTON BEACH – A recent incident involving a stolen car, a stolen gun and a skirmish brought residents and police to city hall to tell commissioners about fear and inadequate funding. On April…
May 8, 2022
By Joe Hendricks
Residents request end of expanded outdoor seating

Residents request end of expanded outdoor seating

BRADENTON BEACH – Restaurant seating areas that expanded to sidewalks and parking lots because of the COVID-19 pandemic may be disappearing. During general public comment at the May 5 Bradenton Be…
May 2, 2022
By Joe Hendricks
FDEP inspects Aqua’s mangrove trimming, results remain unknown

FDEP inspects Aqua’s mangrove trimming

MANATEE COUNTY – State environmental authorities have conducted their initial inspection of the mangrove trimming that recently occurred along the shoreline of the Aqua property being developed adjac…
May 2, 2022
By Joe Hendricks
Commission formally extends Mote Marine deadlines

Commission formally extends Mote Marine deadlines

ANNA MARIA – The city and Mote Marine Laboratory have agreed to a lease addendum formally establishing the deadlines for Mote to begin and complete the installation of its Anna Maria City Pier Marine…
May 2, 2022
By Joe Hendricks
Bradenton Beach celebrates Arbor Day park improvements

Bradenton Beach celebrates Arbor Day park improvements

BRADENTON BEACH – The city and its partners went all out for this year’s National Arbor Day celebration. Prior to Friday morning’s Arbor Day ceremony, seven sabal palm trees, three green buttonwoo…
April 25, 2022
By Joe Hendricks
FDEP investigating Aqua’s mangrove trimming

FDEP investigating Aqua’s mangrove trimming

MANATEE COUNTY – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) is investigating complaints about mangrove trimming along the Aqua development’s shoreline. Formerly known as Long Bar Po…
April 24, 2022
By Joe Hendricks
Mote given 2023 deadline to complete City Pier facility

Mote Marine off the hook – for now

ANNA MARIA – Mote Marine Laboratory now has until March 1, 2023, to complete its installation of the Anna Maria City Pier Marine Education Outreach Center. While the project will be a year late, i…
April 18, 2022
By Joe Hendricks
City asks governor to veto proposed legislation

City asks governor to veto proposed legislation

ANNA MARIA – The mayor and city commission are asking Gov. Ron DeSantis to veto Senate Bill 620, also referred to as the Local Business Protection Act. The commission took this action when adoptin…
April 18, 2022
By Joe Hendricks
Speed bumps being added to humpback bridges

Speed bumps to be added at humpback bridges

ANNA MARIA – Speed bumps will soon be installed at the humpback bridges on Crescent Drive and North Bay Boulevard. The speed bumps will be placed at both ends of each bridge and be accompanied by…
April 18, 2022
By Joe Hendricks
Anna Maria requiring pool alarms at rental properties

Anna Maria to require pool alarms at rental properties

ANNA MARIA – The city is in the process of adopting a new pool safety ordinance that will require pool alarms at all residential rental properties. “We’ve had some near tragedies with regard to po…