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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 2, 2020
By Joe Hendricks

Manatee County commissioners considering countywide curfew

MANATEE COUNTY – On Thursday, April 2, Manatee County issued a press release that said Manatee County commissioners were considering a countywide curfew. Thursday’s press release said county commi…
March 30, 2020
By Joe Hendricks
Last call for Brad Lisk

Last call for Brad Lisk

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Anna Maria Island lost a true friend and a champion of the people when Brad Lisk passed away on Wednesday, March 25. Brad had a massive heart attack on Friday, March 20 and nev…
March 29, 2020
By Joe Hendricks
Boaters adapting to new coronavirus restrictions

Boaters adapting to new coronavirus restrictions

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Those who went boating on Saturday near Anna Maria Island were among the first to do so following the executive order the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) i…
March 28, 2020
By Joe Hendricks

Governor suspends vacation rentals

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has suspended vacation rentals for two weeks. “We’re going to suspend for two weeks any new vacation rentals in the State of Florida. The concern is p…
March 27, 2020
By Joe Hendricks
Public boat ramps in Manatee County now closed

Public boat ramps in Manatee County closed

MANATEE COUNTY – In response to the unfolding coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, the public boat ramps in Manatee County are now closed to recreational boaters and charter captains. The Coquina South…
March 26, 2020
By Joe Hendricks
Roser Food Pantry needs your help

Roser Food Pantry needs your help

ANNA MARIA – Serving Anna Maria Island residents and employees, the Roser Food Pantry in Anna Maria needs your help assisting others in need during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Food pantry…
March 25, 2020
By Joe Hendricks

Anna Maria issues emergency order prohibiting vacation rental reservations

ANNA MARIA – Mayor Dan Murphy has issued a state of emergency order that temporarily prohibits new reservations being taken for vacation rental stays of less than 30 days in the city of Anna Maria…
March 24, 2020
By Joe Hendricks

COVID-19 drive-through test site and test dates announced

MANATEE COUNTY – The Manatee County Health Department will host a drive-through specimen collection site at the Bradenton Area Convention Center from Thursday, March 26 through Sunday, March 29. A…
March 24, 2020
By Joe Hendricks
Manatee County boat ramps closing Thursday

Manatee County boat ramps closing Thursday

MANATEE COUNTY – Manatee County commissioners announced that the county boat ramps will close on Thursday, March 26 at an emergency meeting today. Several other coronavirus (COVID-19) related meas…
March 23, 2020
By Joe Hendricks
Island bars sobered by governor’s decision

Island bars sobered by governor’s decision

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – For Anna Maria Island’s stand-alone bars, St. Patrick’s Day was supposed to be a night of celebration. Instead, St. Patrick’s Day 2020 became the day Florida’s bars went dark…
March 23, 2020
By Joe Hendricks
Restaurants rocked by coronavirus pandemic

Restaurants rocked by coronavirus pandemic

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Many restaurants on Anna Maria Island and in the village of Cortez are now offering takeout and delivery service to help offset the economic damage being caused in response to the…
March 22, 2020
By Joe Hendricks

Social distancing not practiced by some local boaters

JEWFISH KEY – Many members of the local boating community refused to let coronavirus (COVID-19) concerns interfere with their weekend fun. At least a hundred boats dropped anchor today near a…
March 22, 2020
By Joe Hendricks
Island beaches ‘closed’ but still accessible

Island beaches ‘closed’ but still accessible

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Manatee County’s public beaches on Anna Maria Island are closed until further notice as of Friday, March 20. The beach closures are a precautionary measure being taken beca…
March 19, 2020
By Joe Hendricks
Manatee County public beaches closing Friday 

Manatee County public beaches closing Friday 

MANATEE COUNTY – In reaction and response to the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) concerns, Manatee County’s public beaches will be closed as of Friday, March 20 at 6 a.m. Manatee County Public Safe…
March 18, 2020
By Joe Hendricks

First coronavirus death in Manatee County reported

Updated Monday, March 23 | There are 1,227 reported positive cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Florida and 18 reported deaths, according to the Florida Department of Health’s COVID-19 Data and S…