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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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September 19, 2021
By Joe Hendricks

County budget includes tax cut and infrastructure investments

MANATEE COUNTY – Commissioners have unanimously approved the county’s 2021-22 fiscal year budget, which will take effect when the new fiscal year begins on Oct. 1. When adopting the budget on Tues…
September 13, 2021
By Joe Hendricks
David Marshall: The man, the legend, the hat…

David Marshall: The man, the legend, the hat …

BRADENTON BEACH – A celebration of life for longtime Bradenton Beach resident and employee David Marshall will be held Saturday, Sept. 25 at 2 p.m. at the Drift In, 120 Bridge St. Attendees are en…
September 5, 2021
By Joe Hendricks
Lt. John Cosby appointed acting police chief

John Cosby appointed acting police chief

BRADENTON BEACH – Lt. John Cosby is now the acting chief of the Bradenton Beach Police Department. The “acting” designation will be removed from Cosby’s title in early October when current Police…
September 5, 2021
By Joe Hendricks
Dock expansion contract to be finalized soon

Dock expansion contract to be finalized soon

BRADENTON BEACH – The contract negotiations to expand the floating dock next to the Bridge Street Pier have entered the final stages. On Wednesday, Sept. 1, the Bradenton Beach Community Redevelop…
September 5, 2021
By Joe Hendricks
Old Town Tram pilot program being extended

Old Town Tram pilot program being extended

BRADENTON BEACH – The Old Town Tram parking shuttle pilot program is being extended for a second year. Launched last November, funded by the Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) an…
August 30, 2021
By Joe Hendricks
Sea level rise expert addresses Anna Maria Commission

Sea level rise expert addresses Anna Maria Commission

ANNA MARIA – The Anna Maria City Commission has included $75,000 in its proposed 2021-22 fiscal budget to begin planning for future sea level rise. If pursued, these initial efforts would be funded b…
August 29, 2021
By Joe Hendricks
Rules of the road decals to be placed in rented golf carts

Rules of the road decals to be placed in rented golf carts

ANNA MARIA – Three companies that rent out golf carts within the city of Anna Maria have agreed to place decals in their carts reminding drivers and passengers of four state laws that apply when trav…
August 22, 2021
By Joe Hendricks
Proposed Reimagining Pine Avenue solutions presented

Commissioners hear proposed Pine Avenue solutions

ANNA MARIA – Traffic engineer Gerry Traverso has presented his findings and five proposed solutions associated with his Reimagining Pine Avenue study. The study encompasses the Pine Avenue corrido…
August 17, 2021
By Joe Hendricks
Renovated Bortell's Lounge reopening soon

Renovated Bortell’s Lounge reopening soon

UPDATED Sunday, Aug. 22, 2021 at 12:09 p.m. – ANNA MARIA – Bortell’s Lounge is scheduled to reopen at noon on Wednesday, Aug. 25. “We’re super excited to be back and we’re looking forward to seein…
August 15, 2021
By Joe Hendricks

Bayfest scheduled to return Oct. 15-16

ANNA MARIA – Hosted by the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce, Bayfest 2021 is scheduled to take place Friday, Oct. 15 and Saturday, Oct. 16. Barring any COVID-19 or weather-related complicatio…
August 9, 2021
By Joe Hendricks
Scott O’Brien’s life was filled with family, friends and love

Scott O’Brien’s life was filled with family, friends and love

BRADENTON – Scott O’Brien’s recent COVID-19-related death leaves family members and friends mourning his loss and appreciating and honoring the impact he had on their lives. Scott, his wife Gale…
August 9, 2021
By Joe Hendricks
City of Bradenton Beach not joining Cortez Bridge lawsuit

City of Bradenton Beach not joining Cortez Bridge lawsuit

BRADENTON BEACH – The city is not joining a federal lawsuit that opposes the replacement of the Cortez Bridge drawbridge with a higher fixed-span bridge. The city commission reached this 3-2 decis…
August 2, 2021
By Joe Hendricks
Impact of FDEP permitting order remains to be seen

Impact of FDEP permitting order remains to be seen

ANNA MARIA – Despite opposition to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP)’s approval of construction on a vacant beachfront lot, no one has yet requested a judicial review of the a…
August 2, 2021
By Joe Hendricks
County administrator addresses third COVID-19 staff fatality

County administrator addresses third COVID-19 staff fatality

MANATEE COUNTY – A third county employee has died of COVID-19 related symptoms and 41 county employees have tested positive for COVID-19 since early May, according to County Administrator Scott Hopes…
July 26, 2021
By Joe Hendricks
Reimagining Pine Avenue meetings conclude

Reimagining Pine Avenue meetings conclude

ANNA MARIA – With the conclusion of the last Reimagining Pine Avenue public information meeting, traffic engineer Gerry Traverso is working on a report detailing potential safety and traffic efficien…