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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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October 17, 2022
By Joe Hendricks
Commission rejects proposed food truck zone location

Commission rejects proposed food truck zone location

ANNA MARIA – City officials have decided not to create a designated food truck zone at the northwest end of Bayfront Park, nor will there be a designated food truck area at City Pier Park…
October 17, 2022
By Joe Hendricks
Injured gator captured near Rod and Reel Pier

Injured gator captured near Rod & Reel Pier

ANNA MARIA – An injured alligator came ashore near the Rod & Reel Pier on Oct. 8. After being trapped and removed, the gator was later euthanized due to its broken leg. Dep. Patrick Ma…
October 10, 2022
By Joe Hendricks
County commission authorizes water taxi expenditure

County commission authorizes water taxi expenditure

MANATEE COUNTY – Manatee County commissioners have authorized County Administrator Scott Hopes to spend up to $700,000 to design and build two pontoon boats for use as water taxis to serve Anna Maria…
October 10, 2022
By Joe Hendricks
  Term limits on Bradenton Beach ballot, again

Term limits on Bradenton Beach ballot, again

BRADENTON BEACH – With mail voting now underway, Bradenton Beach voters have begun deciding the fate of five proposed amendments to the city charter. The five charter amendment questions that appe…
October 2, 2022
By Joe Hendricks
Anna Maria Island dodges Hurricane Ian’s bullets

Anna Maria Island dodges Hurricane Ian’s bullets

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Hurricane Ian inflicted significant damage on some mobile homes in Bradenton Beach, but Anna Maria Island as a whole survived the hurricane without the widespread devastation many…
September 29, 2022
By Joe Hendricks
Hurricane Ian takes it easy on Anna Maria Island

Hurricane Ian takes it relatively easy on Anna Maria Island

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Although some damage occurred, Anna Maria Island survived Hurricane Ian without suffering the widespread devastation many residents and business owners originally feared. As of…
September 25, 2022
By Joe Hendricks
Anna Maria declares state of local emergency

Anna Maria declares state of local emergency

ANNA MARIA – In response to the anticipated approach of Hurricane Ian, the Anna Maria City Commission has declared a temporary state of local emergency. The commission took this action during an e…
September 20, 2022
By Joe Hendricks
Pine Avenue roundabout rejected

Pine Avenue roundabout rejected

ANNA MARIA – The city commission has rejected a proposed roundabout and delivery truck turnaround area at the Pine Avenue/South Bay Boulevard intersection near the City Pier. Representing…
September 20, 2022
By Joe Hendricks
Water taxi plans detailed

Water taxi plans detailed

MANATEE COUNTY – The county’s chief tourism official briefed county commissioners on Sept. 13 on plans in the works for a water taxi between Anna Maria Island and Bradenton, including new fun…
September 19, 2022
By Joe Hendricks
Commission declines paid parking proposal

Commission declines paid parking proposal

BRADENTON BEACH – The city commission has rejected a paid parking proposal that city staff negotiated with Easy Parking Group owner Josh LaRose. After two and a half hours of discussion on…
September 13, 2022
By Joe Hendricks
Chiles Group pursuing paid parking in Bradenton Beach

Chiles Group pursuing paid parking in Bradenton Beach

BRADENTON BEACH – The Chiles Group hopes to implement paid parking in the Third Street North parking lot across the street from the Beach House restaurant. As a precursor, the Chiles Group charged…
September 13, 2022
By Joe Hendricks
Anna Maria revises proposed water taxi agreement

Anna Maria revises proposed water taxi agreement

ANNA MARIA – The city’s proposed interlocal agreement for the use of the City Pier as a water taxi stop is ready for review by Manatee County officials. The county’s proposed round-trip water serv…
September 12, 2022
By Joe Hendricks
Aqua mangrove trimming prompts FDEP warning

Aqua mangrove trimming prompts FDEP warning

MANATEE COUNTY – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) has issued a warning letter regarding the mangrove trimming conducted earlier this year along the Aqua development shoreline…
September 5, 2022
By Joe Hendricks
Vacation rental trash cans concern city officials

City officials concerned about trash cans on street

BRADENTON BEACH – Mayor John Chappie continues to lament the constant presence of trash containers left alongside city streets. Chappie and the city team, which includes City Attorney Ricinda Perr…
September 5, 2022
By Joe Hendricks
Front yard boat storage questioned

Front yard boat storage questioned

BRADENTON BEACH – City commissioners discussed – but took no action – on Commissioner Marilyn Maro’s concerns about boats and other recreational vehicles being stored in front yards. In recent mon…