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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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February 27, 2022
By Joe Hendricks
Hunters Point construction continues despite dock challenge

Hunters Point construction continues despite dock challenge

UPDATED Feb. 28, 2022, 1:28 p.m. – CORTEZ – Construction has begun on two homes along the canal of the Hunters Point Resort & Marina property, but the developer says that docks are not planned fo…
February 20, 2022
By Joe Hendricks
Commissioners question engineering costs

Commissioners question engineering costs

BRADENTON BEACH – City officials are concerned about higher than expected engineering costs for a state-funded beautification and landscaping project along Gulf Drive North. To date, Lynn Burnett’…
February 19, 2022
By Joe Hendricks
Building permit sought for beachfront property at 105 Elm

Building permit sought for beachfront property

ANNA MARIA – Bradenton resident Fedora Campbell is moving forward with her plan to build a three-story, single-family home on her undeveloped beachfront property at 105 Elm Ave. “There has been so…
February 15, 2022
By Joe Hendricks
Island resident seriously injured in golf cart/auto crash

Drug test results released in auto-golf cart crash

HOLMES BEACH – The driver of the car that recently collided head-on with a golf cart traveling in the opposite direction tested positive for THC and generic Xanax, according to a Florida Department o…
February 13, 2022
By Joe Hendricks
Pine Avenue sidewalk and crosswalk concepts approved

Pine Avenue sidewalk, crosswalk concepts approved

ANNA MARIA – City commissioners have approved the conceptual plans for the new sidewalks and crosswalks to be installed or modified as part of the Reimagining Pine Avenue project. Mayor Dan Murphy…
February 13, 2022
By Joe Hendricks
Marine biologist opposes clam restoration project

Marine biologist opposes clam restoration project

ANNA MARIA – Clams are not the solution to red tide pollution, retired marine biologist Dr. Randy Edwards told city commissioners who are considering a proposed clam restoration project in and around…
February 13, 2022
By Joe Hendricks
County pursuing water taxi service to AMI

County pursuing water taxi service to AMI

MANATEE COUNTY – The county hopes to provide water taxi service between downtown Bradenton and Anna Maria Island as early as Memorial Day weekend. Possible water taxi landing stops on the Island i…
February 7, 2022
By Joe Hendricks
Mote modifies pier facility proposal

Mote modifies pier facility proposal

Mote Marine Laboratory has provided the city with a new proposal for the interior layout of the marine educational outreach center to be installed on the City Pier. The outreach center will be in…
February 7, 2022
By Joe Hendricks
gRub brings tropical barbeque to Anna Maria

gRub brings tropical barbecue to Anna Maria

ANNA MARIA – Owner, chef and pit master Ben Sato’s new tropical barbecue restaurant, gRub, is now open. Located at 415 Pine Ave. in Anna Maria, gRub (pronounced grub) opened at 11:30 a.m. on Wedne…
February 7, 2022
By Joe Hendricks
Pedestrian struck in Anna Maria

Pedestrian struck in Anna Maria

ANNA MARIA – Ohio resident S. Weiss (no first name provided) was struck by a vehicle Wednesday afternoon, Feb. 2, while crossing Pine Avenue near the Roser Memorial Community Church. According to…
February 6, 2022
By Joe Hendricks
Decision still pending on clam, seagrass restoration funds

Decision still pending on clam, seagrass restoration funds

ANNA MARIA – A city commission decision on a $50,000 funding request for proposed clam and seagrass restoration projects has been further delayed as opponents voice concerns. The additional delay…
February 6, 2022
By Joe Hendricks
Island Charms celebrating fifth anniversary

Island Charms celebrating fifth anniversary

ANNA MARIA – Island Charms is celebrating its five-year anniversary in February. Located at 218-C Pine Ave., Island Charms is owned by Lauren Collins, who is assisted in her business operations by…
January 30, 2022
By Joe Hendricks
Voyles and Murphy honored as Citizens of the Year

Voyles, Murphy honored as Citizens of the Year

ANNA MARIA – Joan Voyles and Barbara Murphy have been named the city of Anna Maria’s Distinguished Citizens of the Year. The two were recognized in a ceremony at Anna Maria City Hall during the Ja…
January 29, 2022
By Joe Hendricks
Waste Pro, rentals not complying with trash pickup rules

Waste Pro, rentals not complying with trash pickup rules

BRADENTON BEACH – City officials are unhappy about the lack of compliance with the city’s side yard trash pickup requirements for vacation rentals. Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie has repeatedl…
January 29, 2022
By Joe Hendricks
Fashion show raises funds for AMI Garden Club

Fashion show raises funds for AMI Garden Club

ANNA MARIA – The Anna Maria Island Garden Club raised more than $10,000 during its annual fundraising fashion show and luncheon on Jan. 19. The fashion show at The Center of Anna Maria Island feat…