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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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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…
May 29, 2021
By Joe Hendricks
City seeks expanded construction restrictions on holiday weekends

City seeks expanded construction restrictions on holiday weekends

ANNA MARIA – The city of Anna Maria has begun the process of enacting additional restrictions for construction activities on extended holiday weekends. On Thursday, May 27, City Attorney Becky Vos…
May 29, 2021
By Joe Hendricks
Anna Maria providing $25,000 to The Center

Anna Maria providing $25,000 to The Center

ANNA MARIA – The city of Anna Maria is providing The Center of Anna Maria Island with $25,000 in annual funding. On Thursday, May 27, the city commission unanimously supported Mayor Dan Murphy’s r…
May 28, 2021
By Joe Hendricks
AMI Moose Lodge’s new kitchen now open

AMI Moose Lodge’s new kitchen opens

BRADENTON BEACH – The Anna Maria Island Moose Lodge #2188 has a new kitchen that’s open for business for members and guests. Located in Bradenton Beach, the Moose Lodge’s new kitchen features a 6-…
May 25, 2021
By Joe Hendricks
Bradenton Beach commission proposes eliminating term limits

Bradenton Beach commission proposes eliminating term limits

BRADENTON BEACH – In the upcoming fall elections, Bradenton Beach voters will again be asked if they want to eliminate the term limits currently imposed on the city’s elected mayor and city commissio…
May 24, 2021
By Joe Hendricks
Duncan selected for dock expansion project

Duncan selected for dock expansion project

BRADENTON BEACH – Sarasota-based Duncan Seawall, Dock and Boat Lifts is the Community Redevelopment Agency’s (CRA) first choice to install finger piers to the floating dock next to the Bridge Street…
May 24, 2021
By Joe Hendricks
Anna Maria hosting Memorial Day Patriotic Symphony Salute

Anna Maria hosting Memorial Day Patriotic Symphony Salute

ANNA MARIA – The city of Anna Maria will host its annual Memorial Day Patriotic Symphony Salute at City Pier Park on Monday, May 31. City Pier Park is located across the street from the Anna Maria…
May 18, 2021
By Joe Hendricks
Judge orders Mapes to pay city $19,760

Judge orders Mapes to pay city $19,760

BRADENTON BEACH – Circuit Court Judge Edward Nicholas has ordered Sunshine Law lawsuit defendant Reed Mapes to pay the city of Bradenton Beach $19,760. According to the written ruling Nicholas iss…
May 18, 2021
By Joe Hendricks
Van Ostenbridge, Satcher being reimbursed for attorney fees

Van Ostenbridge, Satcher being reimbursed for attorney fees

UPDATED Monday, May 24, 2021 at 11:40 a.m. – MANATEE COUNTY – County commissioners Kevin Van Ostenbridge and James Satcher will be reimbursed for the attorney fees and legal expenses they incurred as…