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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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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…
November 8, 2022
By Joe Hendricks
Anna Maria honoring vets with parade and ceremony

Anna Maria honoring vets with parade and ceremony

ANNA MARIA – The Old Soldiers & Sailors Veterans Day parade is expected to be bigger than ever this year.  The parade begins Friday, Nov. 11 at 1 p.m. at the Gulf Drive/Pine Avenue intersection…
November 8, 2022
By Joe Hendricks
Old Town Tram contract extended

Old Town Tram contract extended

BRADENTON BEACH – By a 3-2 vote, the Old Town Tram parking shuttle contract has been extended for six months.  Initiated by the Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) as a one-year pil…
November 1, 2022
By Joe Hendricks
Anna Maria implementing new notification system

Anna Maria implementing new notification system

ANNA MARIA – The city has purchased a GOGov software subscription that will provide citizens with a new request, notification and alert system. On Oct. 27, the city commission approved the…
November 1, 2022
By Joe Hendricks
Pine Avenue sidewalk plans still under review

Pine Avenue sidewalk plans remain under review

ANNA MARIA – Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy has an update for the city commission on the Reimagining Pine Avenue project. On Oct. 27, Murphy said the city’s plans to install brick paver sidewalks alo…
October 31, 2022
By Joe Hendricks
Outdoor dining expansion requires further clarification

Outdoor dining expansion requires clarification

BRADENTON BEACH – The Wicked Cantina’s efforts to make its temporarily expanded outdoor seating area permanent have been delayed. After a lengthy discussion on Oct. 19, the Bradenton Bea…
October 31, 2022
By Joe Hendricks
Wind sculptures approved for City Pier Park

Wind sculptures approved for City Pier Park

ANNA MARIA – The Anna Maria Island Garden Club and the city are partnering on an $18,000 wind sculpture project for City Pier Park. The garden club will contribute $6,000 to the project an…