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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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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…
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…