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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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December 12, 2021
By Joe Hendricks
Chiles Group hosting annual kids’ Christmas party

Chiles Group hosting annual kids Christmas party

ANNA MARIA – The Chiles Group will host the 26th Annual Lawton Chiles Christmas for Kids Party on Wednesday, Dec. 15 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Sandbar restaurant. Last year’s event was cancele…
December 10, 2021
By Joe Hendricks
Anna Maria bids fond farewell to Debbie Haynes

Anna Maria bids fond farewell to Debbie Haynes

ANNA MARIA – Deputy Clerk and Code Enforcement Manager Debbie Haynes was honored with a retirement luncheon on Friday, Dec. 3. Haynes was joined at the luncheon by several members of city staff in…
December 5, 2021
By Joe Hendricks
Pine Avenue will be festive on Friday

Pine Avenue will be festive on Friday

ANNA MARIA – Pine Avenue will be awash in holiday festivities Friday afternoon and evening. The fun begins with the city of Anna Maria’s Santa Stops Here holiday event at City Pier Park on Friday, De…
December 5, 2021
By Joe Hendricks
Cedar Avenue plant removals questioned and explained

Cedar Avenue plant removals questioned

ANNA MARIA – The plants and landscaping recently removed near the Cedar Avenue beach access will be replaced by new native plants and landscaping. On Saturday, Nov. 27, Anna Maria resident Dennis…
December 3, 2021
By Joe Hendricks
Island resident seriously injured in golf cart/auto crash

Island resident seriously injured in golf cart/auto crash

HOLMES BEACH – Anna Maria resident Jana Samuels was seriously injured late Monday morning in a head-on crash involving a car and the golf cart she was driving. The crash occurred on Monday, Nov. 2…
November 28, 2021
By Joe Hendricks
A Paradise Realty among those collecting Toys for Tots

A Paradise Realty among those collecting Toys for Tots

HOLMES BEACH – A Paradise Realty and Vacation Rentals will host a Holiday Open House that also serves as a Toys for Tots collection drive at their Holmes Beach office at 5201 Gulf Drive from 5-6:30 p…
November 28, 2021
By Joe Hendricks
Mayor presents Reimagining Pine Avenue timeline

Mayor presents Reimagining Pine Avenue timeline

ANNA MARIA – Mayor Dan Murphy is authorized to spend up to $125,000 for engineering and design services for the city’s Reimagining Pine Avenue safety improvement project. On Wednesday, Nov. 17, Mu…
November 28, 2021
By Joe Hendricks
Celebrate Christmas on Bridge Street and holiday boat parade

Celebrate Christmas on Bridge Street, holiday boat parade

BRADENTON BEACH – The annual Christmas on Bridge Street celebration and Bradenton Beach Holiday Lighted Boat Parade are coming to town on Saturday, Dec. 4. The fun will happen at various locations…
November 24, 2021
By Joe Hendricks
Captain George’s lifelong journey comes to an end

Captain George’s lifelong journey comes to an end

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Anna Maria Island lost a colorful character and a marine-loving soul with the recent passing of George “Captain George” Glaser. After battling numerous non-COVID-related health…
November 19, 2021
By Joe Hendricks
County commissioner assisting families displaced by fire

County commissioner assisting families displaced by fire

BRADENTON – District 3 Manatee County Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge is leading the efforts to assist 16 families recently displaced by an apartment building fire. The fire occurred at the Aar…
November 15, 2021
By Joe Hendricks
Light up Bradenton Beach kicking off Holidays in Paradise festivities

Light Up Bradenton Beach kicking off Holidays in Paradise festivities

BRADENTON BEACH – The “Light Up Bradenton Beach” Christmas tree-lighting ceremony will take place Saturday, Nov. 20 in the Bradenton Beach Post Office parking lot. Organized by participating Brade…
November 14, 2021
By Joe Hendricks
Live Naturally specializes in CBD and hemp products

Live Naturally specializes in CBD and hemp products

HOLMES BEACH – Offering a wide variety of CBD products and more, Morgan and Ben Bryant recently celebrated the two-year anniversary of their Live Naturally store in Holmes Beach. The Holmes Beach…
November 12, 2021
By Joe Hendricks
Anna Maria pays tribute to veterans with parade and ceremony

Anna Maria pays tribute to veterans

ANNA MARIA – The city honored local veterans and their spouses with its Old Soldiers & Sailors Veterans Day parade and a post-parade recognition ceremony. Returning after a one-year absence du…
November 11, 2021
By Joe Hendricks
After 15 years, Two Scoops is still better than one

After 15 years, Two Scoops is still better than one

ANNA MARIA – In October, Two Scoops ice cream in Anna Maria celebrated its 15th anniversary. Two Scoops is located in the Bayview Plaza, at the end of Pine Avenue, across the street from the Anna…
November 8, 2021
By Joe Hendricks
Participants sought for Veterans Day parade

Come out to the Veterans Day parade Thursday

ANNA MARIA – The city will host its annual “Old Soldiers & Sailors” Veterans Day parade on Thursday, Nov. 11 at 1 p.m., this year featuring a warbird flyover. Last year’s parade and veterans c…