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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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November 22, 2020
By Joe Hendricks
Sunshine Law expert seeks records from four county commissioners

Sunshine Law expert seeks records from county commissioners

Updated Nov. 23, 2020 – BRADENTON – Thursday’s Manatee County Commission discussion about potentially terminating County Administrator Cheri Coryea has triggered a public records request from Florida…
November 21, 2020
By Joe Hendricks
Van Ostenbridge proposes terminating county administrator

Van Ostenbridge proposes terminating county administrator

Updated Nov. 23, 2020 – BRADENTON – Newly-elected District 3 Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge initiated an effort on Thursday to terminate County Administrator Cheri Coryea. The Manatee County C…
November 18, 2020
By Joe Hendricks
Commissioner seeks county defense against federal COVID-19 shutdown

Commissioner seeks county defense against potential federal shutdown

MANATEE COUNTY – The Manatee County Commission is scheduled Thursday morning to discuss its options in the event that a federal shutdown of the economy is ordered in response to the ongoing COVID-19…
November 18, 2020
By Joe Hendricks
New county commissioner reignites Holmes Beach parking dispute

New county commissioner warns Holmes Beach of parking concerns

PALMETTO – During his first day as a Manatee County commissioner, Kevin Van Ostenbridge warned that the city of Holmes Beach risks losing beach renourishment funding if they don’t restore recently-re…
November 16, 2020
By Joe Hendricks

Anna Maria Island reaches 100 COVID-19 cases

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The number of COVID-19 cases reported on the Island has reached 100. The cases date back to the beginning of the pandemic in March through Monday, Nov. 16, according to the Flo…
November 16, 2020
By Joe Hendricks
‘Sacrificial sand’ the primary goal of beach renourishment

‘Sacrificial sand’ the primary goal of beach renourishment

Updated Nov. 23, 2020 – ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Before the arrival of Tropical Storm Eta, Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Director Charlie Hunsicker shared his thoughts on the anticipated loss…
November 16, 2020
By Joe Hendricks
Bradenton Beach man electrocuted during Tropical Storm Eta

Bradenton Beach man electrocuted during Tropical Storm Eta

Updated Nov. 16, 2020 – BRADENTON BEACH – Longtime Island resident Mark Mixon died Wednesday evening from an accidental electrical shock he received during Tropical Storm Eta. According to Det. Sg…
November 12, 2020
By Joe Hendricks
AMI, Manatee County incur minimal damage during Tropical Storm Eta

AMI, Manatee County incur minimal damage during Tropical Storm Eta

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The Island escaped serious property damage from Tropical Storm Eta, however, a life was lost. On Wednesday evening, longtime local insurance agent Mark Mixon was electrocuted a…
November 11, 2020
By Joe Hendricks
County advises AMI to shelter in place or voluntarily evacuate

County advises AMI to shelter in place or voluntarily evacuate

Updated Nov. 11, 2020 at 2 p.m. – ANNA MARIA ISLAND – As Tropical Storm Eta approaches, Manatee County public safety officials are recommending that Anna Maria Island residents shelter in place if po…
November 9, 2020
By Joe Hendricks
Suspected murder-suicide crime scene to be demolished

Suspected murder-suicide crime scene to be demolished

BRADENTON BEACH – The triplex at 2514 Ave. C where a suspected murder-suicide recently occurred is permitted for demolition. According to a neighbor, a work crew was on the premises Monday morning…
November 9, 2020
By Joe Hendricks

84 COVID-19 cases reported on AMI

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Eighty-four COVID-19 cases have been reported on Anna Maria Island from March, when the pandemic began, through Sunday, Nov. 8, according to the Florida Division of Emergency Mana…
November 9, 2020
By Joe Hendricks
Sunshine lawsuit defendants agree to pay city $350,000

Sunshine lawsuit defendants agree to pay city $350,000

BRADENTON BEACH – Sunshine Law lawsuit defendants John Metz and Tjet Martin have agreed to pay the city of Bradenton Beach $350,000 as partial reimbursement for the attorney’s fees the city has incur…
November 6, 2020
By Joe Hendricks
First COVID-19 case reported at Anna Maria Elementary

First COVID-19 case reported at Anna Maria Elementary

HOLMES BEACH – One Anna Maria Elementary (AME) School student has tested positive for COVID-19, according to the School District of Manatee County’s Nov. 2 COVID update. It is the first COVID-posi…
November 3, 2020
By Joe Hendricks
Bradenton Beach voters support conflicting parking garage amendments

Election results in for Bradenton Beach, Manatee County

BRADENTON BEACH – Voter approval of two conflicting parking garage amendments in the Nov. 3 election means that a prohibition of parking garages will not be added to the city charter. Running unop…
November 2, 2020
By Joe Hendricks
Former commissioner returns as city's special magistrate

Former commissioner returns as city’s special magistrate

ANNA MARIA – Local attorney and former Anna Maria City Commissioner Chuck Webb is now serving as the city’s special magistrate. Attorney Karla Owens previously served in that role. Webb preside…