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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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June 27, 2021
By Joe Hendricks
Public input sought on “Reimagining Pine Avenue”

Public input sought on ‘Reimagining Pine Avenue’

ANNA MARIA – The city of Anna Maria will host the first of three “Reimagining Pine Avenue” town hall-style public information meetings on Thursday, July 1. Taking place at city hall and open to th…
June 22, 2021
By Joe Hendricks
Bradenton Beach zoning board completes map revision review

Bradenton Beach zoning board completes map revision review

BRADENTON BEACH – The Bradenton Beach Planning and Zoning Board (P&Z) has completed its preliminary review of several proposed future land use and/or zoning map revisions. The revisions could…
June 20, 2021
By Joe Hendricks
Property owners open to replacing Australian pines at city’s expense

Property owners open to replacing Australian pines at city’s expense

BRADENTON BEACH – Michael and Nadya Kelly have responded to criticisms and concerns city officials recently expressed regarding their beachfront home and property at 402 Gulf Drive. The city’s con…
June 20, 2021
By Joe Hendricks
Cell tower panel failure revives safety concerns

Cell tower panel failure revives safety concerns

BRADENTON BEACH – An exterior panel fell off the cell tower in Bradenton Beach on June 15 and the tower again requires repairs and panel upgrades. Erected in 2015 and located on property leased fr…
June 13, 2021
By Joe Hendricks
Island loses a dear friend in Courtney Call

Island loses a dear friend in Courtney Call

HOLMES BEACH – Anna Maria Island lost a good friend with the recent passing of Courtney Call. Call, 43, was a Holmes Beach resident who spent several years working as a bartender at the Anchor Inn…
June 13, 2021
By Joe Hendricks
County commission supports Mote Marine on City Pier

County commission supports Mote Marine on City Pier

ANNA MARIA – The Manatee County Commission supports the city of Anna Maria’s request to use $500,000 in tourist tax funds to create a Mote Marine Education Outreach Center on the City Pier. On Tue…
June 12, 2021
By Joe Hendricks
Privateers’ Fourth of July parade moved to July 3

Privateers’ Fourth of July parade moved to July 3

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The Anna Maria Island Privateers’ Fourth of July Parade originally scheduled for Sunday, July 4 will now take place Saturday, July 3 instead. The schedule change was requested…
June 9, 2021
By Joe Hendricks
County commission supports Bradenton Beach dock expansion project

County commission supports Bradenton Beach dock expansion project

BRADENTON BEACH – The Manatee County Commission is providing up to $850,000 in matching funds for Bradenton Beach’s dock expansion project. The county commission approved the city’s funding reques…
June 9, 2021
By Joe Hendricks
State reviewing Longboat Key’s two-county status

State reviewing Longboat Key’s two-county status

LONGBOAT KEY – Manatee County officials have been notified that a state agency is reviewing the possibility that the Town of Longboat Key may be designated as entirely in Sarasota County or Manatee C…
June 7, 2021
By Joe Hendricks
Undergrounding project facing unexpected cost increase

Undergrounding project facing unexpected cost increase

BRADENTON BEACH – The city’s Gulf Drive utilities undergrounding project is facing an unanticipated potential funding shortfall of about $365,000. On Thursday, June 3, City Attorney Ricinda Perry…
June 6, 2021
By Joe Hendricks
Old Town Tram picking up steam

Old Town Tram picking up steam

BRADENTON BEACH – The Old Town Tram continues to make progress in ridership, route consistency and advertising revenues. The Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) contracts Joshua L…
June 6, 2021
By Joe Hendricks
Bradenton Beach officials want Australian pines removed

Bradenton Beach officials want Australian pines removed

BRADENTON BEACH – City officials would like to remove the Australian pines along the west side of the Cortez Road/Gulf Drive intersection. The pines appear to be primarily located on residential p…
June 5, 2021
By Joe Hendricks
Expanded outdoor seating extended, live music allowed

Expanded outdoor seating extended, live music allowed

BRADENTON BEACH – A new ordinance allows businesses to continue using the expanded outdoor seating areas allowed during the pandemic, with no prohibition on live music in those areas. On Thursday…
May 31, 2021
By Joe Hendricks
Memorial Day Salute honors those who served

Memorial Day Salute honors sacrifices made

ANNA MARIA – Military veterans and their spouses and significant others were honored this morning during the city of Anna Maria’s Memorial Day Patriotic Symphony Salute. Canceled last year due to…
May 30, 2021
By Joe Hendricks
Commission selects engineering firm for flood control project

Commission selects engineering firm for flood control project

BRADENTON BEACH – The city commission has selected Land & Water Engineering Science to review City Engineer Lynn Burnett’s plans for a $2.1 million drainage and flood control project. The proj…