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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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November 20, 2018
By Joe Hendricks
Bradenton beach swearing in Cole

Cole and Maro sworn in

BRADENTON BEACH – As a result of their successful re-election bids, incumbent City Commissioners Ralph Cole and Marilyn Maro were sworn into their new two-year commissioner terms on Monday, Nov. 19…
November 20, 2018
By Joe Hendricks
Bradenton Beach commissioner deposed

Commissioner deposed regarding Sunshine lawsuit

BRADENTON BEACH – City Commissioner Randy White has been deposed as part of the discovery process for the city-initiated 2017 lawsuit that alleges six city advisory board members violated the Sunshin…
November 20, 2018
By Joe Hendricks
Mullet fishing tournament Winner

Jeffries wins mullet tournament

CORTEZ – Cortez resident Kenny Jeffries won the Fifth Annual Flippin’ Mullet Sports Bar Mullet Fishing Tournament at the Swordfish Grill in Cortez on Sunday, Nov. 18. Jeffries was the overall tour…
November 17, 2018
By Joe Hendricks
BB Officer Straight

Devon Straight joins Bradenton Beach Police Department

BRADENTON BEACH – Nineteen-year-old Devon Straight is Bradenton Beach’s newest police officer. He was sworn in on Thursday morning, Nov. 15, then introduced to the City Commission at its noon meet…
November 13, 2018
By Joe Hendricks
Bradenton Beach day dock located

Digital trail leads to undelivered day dock

BRADENTON BEACH – City officials have found the undelivered floating day dock and are now cautiously optimistic the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) dock project will be completed. Police Chie…
November 13, 2018
By Joe Hendricks

Holiday events taking shape

BRADENTON BEACH – The Bridge Street Merchants are finalizing their plans for the annual Christmas on Bridge Street holiday celebration taking place this year on Saturday, Dec. 15. Bridge Street Me…
November 11, 2018
By Joe Hendricks
Buddy Lee

Bridge Street loses its Buddy and beloved mascot

BRADENTON BEACH – Bradenton Beach and Bridge Street lost a good buddy last week when Buddy Lee, the 14-year-old purebred tick beagle, passed away. Buddy had to be put to sleep on Monday, Nov. 5. A…
November 6, 2018
By Joe Hendricks
Elections Whitmore

Whitmore, Servia, Bellamy win county commission races

Updated Nov. 6, 10:33 p.m. MANATEE COUNTY – Manatee County voters, including those on Anna Maria Island, re-elected incumbent District 6 at-large County Commissioner Carol Whitmore to another four-ye…
November 6, 2018
By Joe Hendricks
BB Election Cole Maro

Cole, Maro retain Bradenton Beach commission seats

BRADENTON BEACH – Bradenton Beach voters re-elected incumbent Bradenton Beach City Commissioners Ralph Cole and Marilyn Maro, choosing them over challengers Tjet Martin and John Metz. Bradenton Be…
November 6, 2018
By Joe Hendricks
Bradenton Beach website screenshot

Bradenton Beach shuts down city website

BRADENTON BEACH – The city has shut down its website until it can be made compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The city website was shut down last week at the request of Mayor…
November 6, 2018
By Joe Hendricks
celebrating a late friend Fisher Life Celebration

Celebrating a late friend’s love of Florida

CORTEZ – Vermont resident David Fisher dreamed of one day retiring and spending his winters with his wife Sue at their second home in west Bradenton. Those dreams were cut short on Aug. 17, when canc…
November 2, 2018
By Joe Hendricks
Day Dock Tampa

CRA declaring Technomarine in default of dock contract

BRADENTON BEACH – Technomarine’s failure to install a floating public dock alongside the Bridge Street Pier has resulted in the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) initiating contractual default pro…
October 30, 2018
By Joe Hendricks
Newfoundlanders Explore Anna Maria

Newfoundlanders explore Anna Maria Island

CORTEZ – Newfoundland residents Pat Mooney and Cathy Tucker visit Florida every year and their first stay in the Cortez and Anna Maria Island area is coming to an end. The couple of 14 years has s…
October 30, 2018
By Joe Hendricks
Manatee County seal

County Commission candidates discuss campaign issues

MANATEE COUNTY – The winner of the District 6, at-large County Commission race between incumbent Carol Whitmore and challenger Candace Luther will help represent Anna Maria Island and Cortez at the c…
October 30, 2018
By Joe Hendricks
Bradenton Beach Christmas decorations

CRA purchasing holiday decorations

BRADENTON BEACH – The Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) authorized member Jake Spooner’s proposal to spend $12,000 to $32,000 to decorate Bridge Street for the Christmas holidays using decorative…