Skip to main content
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.
Email Joe Hendricks
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…
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…