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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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July 26, 2021
By Joe Hendricks
FDEP allows beachfront development

FDEP allows beachfront development

ANNA MARIA – In a move that critics label “rogue,” the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) will allow Fedora Campbell to build a beachfront home seaward of the Coastal Construction…
July 19, 2021
By Joe Hendricks
Reimagining Pine Avenue discussions continue

Reimagining Pine Avenue discussions continue

ANNA MARIA – The second Reimagining Pine Avenue meeting took place at city hall on Monday, July 12. A third public information meeting is scheduled at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, July 20. The final study r…
July 19, 2021
By Joe Hendricks
Siblings and community assisting BJ Lipke after cancer diagnosis

Siblings, community assisting BJ Lipke after cancer diagnosis

CORTEZ – Former Cortez resident Rose Lipke has started an online fundraiser for her brother BJ Lipke’s newly-discovered battle with cancer. Last week, Rose Lipke, a well-known local artist who now…
July 19, 2021
By Joe Hendricks
Duncan Real Estate stronger than ever after 20 years

Duncan Real Estate stronger than ever after 20 years

ANNA MARIA – Duncan Real Estate owner Darcie Duncan celebrated her company’s 20th anniversary last week. In addition to being her birthday, Tuesday, July 13, marked 20 years since the energetic re…
July 19, 2021
By Joe Hendricks
Beachfront homeowners launch Preserve AMI campaign

Beachfront homeowners launch Preserve AMI campaign

ANNA MARIA – Homeowners Wendy and Robert Jordan recently launched the Preserve AMI campaign, in part to protect their mostly unobstructed view of the beach and the Gulf of Mexico. The campaign als…
July 11, 2021
By Joe Hendricks
Copeland returns to the Anna Maria City Commission

Copeland returns to Anna Maria City Commission

ANNA MARIA – A familiar face has returned to the Anna Maria City Commission on a temporary basis. On Thursday, July 8, the four-member commission unanimously appointed former Commissioner Doug Cop…
July 11, 2021
By Joe Hendricks
Anna Maria Mayor upset with trash collection disruptions

Anna Maria mayor upset about trash collection disruptions

ANNA MARIA – Mayor Dan Murphy is among those displeased with the lack of trash collection provided by Waste Management during the extended Fourth of July weekend and Hurricane Elsa. Anna Maria is…
July 8, 2021
By Joe Hendricks
Elsa takes it easy on Anna Maria Island

Elsa takes it easy on Anna Maria Island

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Tropical Storm/Hurricane Elsa’s impact on Anna Maria Island proved to be minimal. The storm that passed through Anna Maria Island Tuesday afternoon and evening and into Wednesd…
July 5, 2021
By Joe Hendricks
Island legend Bob “Coop” Cooper passes away

Island legend Bob “Coop” Cooper passes away

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The Island lost a beloved figure with the passing of Bob “Coop” Cooper on Saturday, July 3. Cooper passed away at Tidewell Hospice in Bradenton, where he spent the final weeks…
July 4, 2021
By Joe Hendricks

Anna Maria, Manatee County declare state of emergency for Elsa

UPDATED JULY 4, 2021 at 2:32 p.m. – ANNA MARIA – Due to the approach of what was then Hurricane Elsa, the Anna Maria City Commission declared a preemptive local state of emergency Friday afternoon…
July 4, 2021
By Joe Hendricks
Fishing tournament to benefit AMOB summer reading program

Fishing tournament to benefit AMOB summer reading program

BRADENTON BEACH – The second annual West Coast Bottom Brawl fishing tournament launches Thursday to benefit the Anna Maria Oyster Bar (AMOB)’s annual Dive Into Reading summer reading program. Host…
July 4, 2021
By Joe Hendricks
Citizens weigh in on Reimagining Pine Avenue

Citizens weigh in on “Reimagining Pine Avenue”

ANNA MARIA – The ongoing efforts to “Reimagine Pine Avenue” may or may not include transforming Pine Avenue into a one-way street. That possibility was among the many alternatives discussed at the…
July 4, 2021
By Joe Hendricks
Baugh reaches settlement in public records lawsuit

Baugh reaches settlement in public records lawsuit

BRADENTON – County Commission Chair Vanessa Baugh has reached a settlement with paralegal Michael Barfield regarding the Public Records Act lawsuit Barfield filed in December. On June 19, Baugh si…
June 28, 2021
By Joe Hendricks
Island community raises more than $33,000 for Courtney Call’s son

Island community raises $33,000 for Courtney Call’s son

HOLMES BEACH – A fundraiser held at the Anchor Inn raised more than $33,000 for the teenage son of longtime Anna Maria Island resident and bartender Courtney Call. Call, 42, passed away unexpected…
June 28, 2021
By Joe Hendricks
Muscatello vacates seat, short-term successor sought

Muscatello vacates seat, short-term successor sought

ANNA MARIA – Country roads are taking City Commissioner Joe Muscatello home. “I’m going back,” Muscatello said as he presented the mayor and commissioners with parting gifts bearing the likeness o…