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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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April 19, 2020
By Joe Hendricks
Eight long-term care facilities in Manatee County report COVID-19 cases

Eight long-term care facilities in Manatee County report COVID-19 cases

UPDATED April 20, 2020 – MANATEE COUNTY – Manatee County officials are concerned about the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) among residents and staff members at long-term care facilities, includi…
April 19, 2020
By Joe Hendricks
Boaters return to reopened boat ramps

Boaters return to reopened boat ramps

MANATEE COUNTY – Local boaters took to the water over the weekend after Manatee County’s public boat ramps reopened on Monday, April 13. The public boat ramps were closed on March 26 by Manatee Co…
April 17, 2020
By Joe Hendricks

County curfew extended, concerns raised about testing and nursing homes

BRADENTON – Manatee County Commissioners have extended the countywide curfew until Tuesday, but they have even larger concerns about the lack of coronavirus (COVID-19) testing kits and the high numbe…
April 13, 2020
By Joe Hendricks
County boat ramps reopened

County boat ramps reopened

MANATEE COUNTY – Manatee County’s public boat ramps are open again. On Friday, April 10, Manatee County commissioners voted 4-3 in favor of reopening the public boat ramps. Friday’s decision ov…
April 13, 2020
By Joe Hendricks
Doctors plead for curfew

Doctors plead for curfew

MANATEE COUNTY – The Manatee County community remains divided regarding the countywide curfew that remains in effect from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. daily. Enacted in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19)…
April 12, 2020
By Joe Hendricks

Painted rocks bring joy during challenging times

Even during a global pandemic, good news can be found in unexpected places. Such was the case for Holmes Beach resident Sue Hamilton on Thursday, April 2. “I live in Key Royale. My cleaning lady w…
April 11, 2020
By Joe Hendricks
Governor extends vacation rental order

Governor extends vacation rental order

TALLAHASSEE – Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has extended a previously issued executive order that prohibits short-term vacation rental operations statewide. On Friday, DeSantis issued and signed Execu…
April 10, 2020
By Joe Hendricks
County commissioners extend curfew and reopen boat ramps

County commissioners extend curfew, reopen boat ramps

MANATEE COUNTY – On Friday, Manatee County commissioners voted to extend the countywide curfew for another seven days and reopen the county’s public boat ramps on Monday. As part of Manatee County…
April 9, 2020
By Joe Hendricks
Bradenton Beach issues parking enforcement announcement

Bradenton Beach issues parking enforcement announcement

BRADENTON BEACH – In anticipation of Easter weekend, the city of Bradenton Beach has issued a public service announcement regarding parking enforcement. “Parking to be strictly enforced. Barricade…
April 8, 2020
By Joe Hendricks
Roser Food Pantry gets a big helping hand

Roser Food Pantry gets a big helping hand

ANNA MARIA – Anna Maria General Store owner Brian Seymour and Bortell’s Lounge owner Steve Rose provided the Roser Food Pantry with a significant boost during this time of increased need. On Thurs…
April 8, 2020
By Joe Hendricks
Anna Maria addressing vacation rental complaints locally

Anna Maria addressing vacation rental complaints locally

ANNA MARIA – Anna Maria Commission chair Carol Carter released a statement Monday afternoon regarding the city’s enforcement of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ Executive Order 20-87, which temporarily suspends va…
April 8, 2020
By Joe Hendricks
Ugly Grouper and Sean Murphy submit pier lease bids

Ugly Grouper and Sean Murphy submit pier lease bids

ANNA MARIA – The city of Anna Maria received two bids from parties interested in leasing the restaurant and bait shop buildings on the new Anna Maria City Pier. Thad Treadwell and Mike Ross from t…
April 6, 2020
By Joe Hendricks
Suspended nurses return to duty at Blake Medical Center

Suspended nurses return to duty at Blake Medical Center

BRADENTON – Two Blake Medical Center nurses were reinstated today after being suspended for staging a peaceful protest last week over the hospital’s state of preparedness during the coronavirus (COVI…
April 4, 2020
By Joe Hendricks
Governor’s essential services order now in effect

Governor’s essential services order in effect

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The executive order that Gov. Ron DeSantis issued Wednesday pertaining to essential businesses and services is now in effect. “All persons in Florida shall limit their movement…
April 3, 2020
By Joe Hendricks
Manatee County Commission enacts countywide curfew

Manatee County Commission enacts countywide curfew

MANATEE COUNTY – On Friday afternoon, Manatee County commissioners voted to enact a temporary countywide curfew that took effect at 11 p.m. Friday night and remains in effect until further notice…