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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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December 29, 2019
By Joe Hendricks
New pier takes shape

New pier takes shape

Updated Jan. 2, 2020 – The Anna Maria City Commission will discuss  Schoenfelder’s final offer at a special city meeting  on Friday, Jan. 10 at 10 a.m. Schoenfelder, who divides his time between A…
December 28, 2019
By Joe Hendricks
Pier tenant submits final lease offer

Pier tenant submits final lease offer

ANNA MARIA – Mario Schoenfelder has submitted his final offer for the lease of the restaurant and bait shop buildings being built at the T-end of the new Anna Maria City Pier. Dated Dec. 22 and ad…
December 23, 2019
By Joe Hendricks
Petitioners challenge Cortez Bridge decision

Amended request for Cortez Bridge hearing denied

CORTEZ – The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has dismissed with prejudice a second request for a formal administrative hearing regarding FDOT’s plans to someday replace the Cortez Bridge…
December 23, 2019
By Joe Hendricks
Displaced osprey gets a new home

Displaced osprey gets a new home

ANNA MARIA – A displaced female osprey has a new nesting place thanks to the combined efforts of the Lake La Vista Homeowners Association and part-time resident Kay Johnson, Florida Power and Light…
December 18, 2019
By Joe Hendricks
Holiday Carols in the Park not dampened by rainy weather

Holiday Carols in the Park not dampened by rainy weather

ANNA MARIA – Despite a steady rain, the city of Anna Maria’s Holiday Carols in the Park started with a bang, when Santa magically appeared through a cloud of orange smoke at the west end of City Pier…
December 10, 2019
By Joe Hendricks
Holiday Boat Parade setting sail soon

Holiday boat parade setting sail soon

BRADENTON BEACH – A fleet of delightfully lit and decorated boats will pass along the Bradenton Beach shoreline during the second annual Bradenton Beach Holiday Boat Parade. Setting sail on Saturd…
December 10, 2019
By Joe Hendricks
Kyle Shell remembered…

Kyle Shell remembered…

BRADENTON BEACH – Anna Maria Island lost a larger than life personality when Kyle Shell passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 3. Kyle was 42 when he died peacefully at the Bradenton Beach home he and his m…
November 30, 2019
By Joe Hendricks
Deadline extended for final pier lease offer

Deadline extended for final pier lease offer

ANNA MARIA – Mario Schoenfelder now has until Dec. 31 to submit his final offer for the lease of the restaurant and bait shop buildings being built on the new Anna Maria City Pier. During an emerg…
November 25, 2019
By Joe Hendricks
Rod & Reel Pier closes but quickly reopens

Rod & Reel Pier closes but quickly reopens

ANNA MARIA – The Rod & Reel Pier in Anna Maria reopened Saturday morning, Nov. 23, after being closed for two days to make repairs to the pier walkway. The Rod & Reel Pier was closed on th…
November 23, 2019
By Joe Hendricks
Freddy Gilliland severely injured in vehicular incident

Freddy Gilliland severely injured in vehicular incident

CORTEZ – West Bradenton resident David Nichols remains incarcerated at the Manatee County Jail today after being arrested on Tuesday, Nov. 19 on a felony charge of attempted murder/not premeditated i…
November 23, 2019
By Joe Hendricks
Scott Moore inducted into Agricultural Hall of Fame

Scott Moore inducted into Agricultural Hall of Fame

PALMETTO – Holmes Beach resident and charter fishing guide Scott Moore is the newest member of the Manatee County Agricultural Hall of Fame. Family and friends, some of whom date back to Moore’s c…
November 19, 2019
By Joe Hendricks
After-hours now allowed at post office

After-hours parking now allowed at post office

BRADENTON BEACH – After-hours and weekend parking is now allowed at the Bradenton Beach Post Office. After-hours parking is allowed from 4:30 p.m. until 8 a.m. on weekdays and around the clock…
November 19, 2019
By Joe Hendricks

Come celebrate Thanks-Living

ANNA MARIA – Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach residents of all ages are invited to the Thanks-Living community gathering on Wednesday, Nov. 27. The community gathering will take place…
November 19, 2019
By Joe Hendricks
Copeland exits public service on a high note

Copeland exits public service on a high note

ANNA MARIA – As one of his final acts as an Anna Maria commissioner, Doug Copeland requested the adoption of a city resolution that urges federal and state legislators to support the long-delayed rat…
November 18, 2019
By Joe Hendricks
Fishing tournament raising funds for Matt Bauer

Fishing tournament raising funds for Matt Bauer

HOLMES BEACH – Twenty-six-year-old Holmes Beach resident Matt Bauer has been diagnosed with leukemia for a second time and the upcoming Fishing for a Cure fishing tournament is raising funds to assis…