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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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July 24, 2018
By Joe Hendricks
Island loses residents

Island loses two more residents

ANNA MARIA – David Youngs and Nate Solomon are the latest permanent residents to leave Anna Maria Island. Last week, the married couple closed on their new home in The Villages in Central Florida…
July 24, 2018
By Joe Hendricks
Merman Storm returns

Merman makes return visit

BRADENTON BEACH – The mythical merman has returned to Bradenton Beach. Last year, the mysterious male mermaid was photographed near the BeachHouse restaurant, and his picture ran in The Sun, but i…
July 24, 2018
By Joe Hendricks
Bradenton Beach day dock shipment

Proof of pending dock shipment received

BRADENTON BEACH – On Monday, July 23, Technomarine Chief Operating Officer Ryan Miller emailed city officials a draft version of a “bill of lading” for the shipment of the premanufactured floating do…
July 24, 2018
By Joe Hendricks
Anna Maria pier demo pile

Pier demolition ahead of schedule

ANNA MARIA – A visit to the Anna Maria City Pier late Friday afternoon indicated the demolition process is proceeding at a rapid pace and is ahead of schedule. Only a short section of pier remaine…
July 20, 2018
By Joe Hendricks
AM Pier Vandalism

Pier banner vandalism suspect arrested

ANNA MARIA – Holmes Beach resident Michael Lee Brown was arrested on Thursday, July 19, on a third-degree felony charge of criminal mischief ($1,000 or more) in connection with two Anna Maria City Pi…
July 17, 2018
By Joe Hendricks
Anna Maria Pier Vandalism

Pier banner vandalized

ANNA MARIA – The city pier restoration project banner was vandalized at some point over the weekend. Located near the foot of the pier that is currently being demolished, the banner featured a render…
July 13, 2018
By Joe Hendricks
AM Pier building gone

Pier demolition begins

ANNA MARIA – The demolition of the hurricane-damaged Anna Maria City Pier began Monday and the restaurant and bait shop at the pier’s T-end were demolished and removed on Thursday. St. Petersburg-…
July 10, 2018
By Joe Hendricks
Holmes Beach Coyote

Coyotes sighted in Holmes Beach

HOLMES BEACH – There have been three reported coyote sightings in Holmes Beach in the past week and pet owners are advised not to leave their pets outside and unattended. At approximately 8:50 a.m…
July 10, 2018
By Joe Hendricks
Bradenton Beach charter review

Modified commission wards proposed

BRADENTON BEACH – The Charter Review Committee (CRC) reached consensus on several items during its Monday, July 9 meeting. Members Debra Cox, Anne Leister, Dan Morhaus and Randy Milton support a p…
July 10, 2018
By Joe Hendricks
Bradenton Beach KORN lawsuit

KORN files lawsuit against city

BRADENTON BEACH – Keep Our Residential Neighborhoods (KORN) chairman Reed Mapes has filed a lawsuit challenging the City Commission’s decision to not place four KORN-initiated charter amendment quest…
July 10, 2018
By Joe Hendricks
Fire Stone lawsuit

Street ownership dispute prompts lawsuit

BRADENTON – Street ownership and property rights are the subjects of a lawsuit the owners of Fire & Stone Brick Oven Pizzeria have filed against Manatee County. In May, attorney John Colton fi…
July 3, 2018
By Joe Hendricks
Center of Anna Maria Island

Island cities ok Center funding

ANNA MARIA – City commissioners have agreed to make an $18,500 contribution to The Center of Anna Maria Island. To be taken from the city’s current fiscal year budget, the money will help support…
July 3, 2018
By Joe Hendricks
Fourth of July hot dog contest

How many hot dogs can you eat?

CORTEZ – The Swordfish Grill will host its Fifth Annual Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, July 4. Given 10 minutes to eat as many hot dogs as possible, the winner will…
June 29, 2018
By Joe Hendricks
Grand Tree Speakers

Amended tree ordinance now in effect

ANNA MARIA – Anna Maria Commissioners recently adopted an amended tree ordinance, then promptly applied it when approving two grand tree removal requests previously denied by Public Works Manager Dea…
June 29, 2018
By Joe Hendricks
Bill Vincent Withdraws

Vincent ends commission candidacy

BRADENTON BEACH – Former Planning and Zoning Board member Bill Vincent says he’s withdrawing from the Bradenton Beach City Commission race. On Thursday, June 28, Vincent distributed an email that…