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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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October 17, 2021
By Joe Hendricks
Anna Maria farmers market returns

Anna Maria farmers market returns

ANNA MARIA – The city’s seasonal farmers market returned on Tuesday, Oct. 12 to shoppers eager for fresh produce. The weekly market takes place every Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., weather perm…
October 11, 2021
By Joe Hendricks
Holiday boat parade plans taking shape

Holiday boat parade plans taking shape

BRADENTON BEACH – Bradenton Beach Marina owner and president Mike Bazzy has presented his preliminary plans for the third annual Bradenton Beach Holiday Lighted Boat Parade taking place Saturday, Dec…
October 10, 2021
By Joe Hendricks
FDOT sidewalk project concerns Bradenton Beach officials

FDOT sidewalk project concerns Bradenton Beach officials

BRADENTON BEACH – City officials share some lingering concerns about the permeable brick paver sidewalk the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is installing along Gulf Drive. The concerns…
October 3, 2021
By Joe Hendricks
Bradenton Beach mayoral candidates discuss city issues

Bradenton Beach mayoral candidates discuss city issues

BRADENTON BEACH – Voters will soon decide whether incumbent John Chappie or challenger David Galuszka serves as the city’s next mayor. The mayor’s race will conclude with in-person voting at the B…
September 30, 2021
By Joe Hendricks
Anna Maria and Mote Marine reach pier lease agreement

Anna Maria and Mote Marine reach pier lease agreement

ANNA MARIA – The city of Anna Maria and Mote Marine Laboratory have entered into a 10-year lease agreement for the installation and operation of the Mote Educational Outreach Center on the City Pier…
September 26, 2021
By Joe Hendricks
Reimagining Pine Avenue will not include one-way streets

Reimagining Pine Avenue will not include one-way streets

ANNA MARIA – One-way streets will not be part of the Reimagining Pine Avenue safety and traffic improvements being discussed by Anna Maria city commissioners. The commission reached that 5-0 decis…
September 26, 2021
By Joe Hendricks
David Marshall’s legacy honored

David Marshall’s legacy honored

BRADENTON BEACH – The life and legacy of longtime Bradenton Beach resident David Marshall was memorialized and celebrated on Saturday. Marshall, 74, was struck by a car while crossing the street n…
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…