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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 18, 2018
By Joe Hendricks
Anna Maria holiday carol singers

Community gathers for holiday carols in the park

ANNA MARIA – The city hosted a weather-modified Holiday Carols in the Park event on Friday, Dec. 14. Despite the threat of rain, nearly 100 people showed up at City Pier Park late Friday afternoon…
December 18, 2018
By Joe Hendricks
AM Pier rendering

Pier tenant lease terms being considered

ANNA MARIA – Mayor Dan Murphy is asking city commissioners to provide their feedback on the lease terms they want for the tenant of the soon-to-be-built Anna Maria City Pier. Construction of the n…
December 13, 2018
By Joe Hendricks
Delmar Apolonio Benefit

Benefit for Delmar Apolonio Tuesday

CORTEZ – The Cortez Kitchen will host a benefit for longtime employee Delmar Apolonio on Tuesday, Dec. 18 from 4-9 p.m. Apolonio, 54, is hospitalized and battling Stage IV cancer, according to Apo…
December 11, 2018
By Joe Hendricks
Bradenton Beach day dock settlement

CRA reaches settlement with Technomarine

BRADENTON BEACH – The Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) and Technomarine have negotiated a settlement agreement that if fulfilled should result in the installation of a new floating day dock next…
December 11, 2018
By Joe Hendricks
Bradenton Beach Sunshine lawsuit Mapes

Trial date set for Sunshine lawsuit

BRADENTON BEACH – The Sunshine Law lawsuit involving six former city board members is tentatively scheduled for trial on or around March 11. The trial date was established during a Monday, Dec. 3…
December 11, 2018
By Joe Hendricks
Anna Maria Holiday of Treasures elf

Holiday of Treasures Open House is Friday

ANNA MARIA – As part of the Holiday of Treasures Open House, Anna Maria merchants invite folks to stroll through the city and enjoy light refreshments at participating businesses along Pine Avenue an…
December 11, 2018
By Joe Hendricks

Celebrate Christmas on Bridge Street

BRADENTON BEACH – The Bridge Street Merchants will host their annual Christmas on Bridge Street holiday celebration on Saturday, Dec. 15 from 4-6:30 p.m. The holiday festivities will take place up…
December 10, 2018
By Joe Hendricks
AM Chiles Christmas

Chiles Group bringing holiday joy to underprivileged kids

ANNA MARIA – The 24th annual Lawton Chiles Christmas for Kids Party will take place at the Sandbar restaurant in Anna Maria on Wednesday, Dec. 12. Taking place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the day will…
December 4, 2018
By Joe Hendricks
Anna Maria Wash Settlement House

Wash Family Construction reaches settlement with city

ANNA MARIA – Wash Family Construction owner Darrin Wash and the city of Anna Maria have agreed to a settlement that exceeds $56,000 for permitting fees and additional expenses owed to the city. Ci…
December 4, 2018
By Joe Hendricks
Anna Maria swearing in Murphy

Mayor and commissioners take oath of office

ANNA MARIA – During the Thursday, Nov. 29, organizational meeting. City Clerk LeAnne Addy administered the oath of office to Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy and city commissioners Amy Tripp and Brian Sey…
December 4, 2018
By Joe Hendricks
Anna Maria pier contract

Anna Maria City Pier contract finalized

ANNA MARIA – The $3.33 million contract to build the decking and walkway for the new Anna Maria City Pier is a done deal. On Thursday, Nov. 29, City Commissioners unanimously authorized Mayor Dan…
November 30, 2018
By Joe Hendricks
Pat Glass Chambers

Pat Glass honored for her lasting legacy

BRADENTON – The Manatee County Commission chambers are now “The Honorable Patricia M. Glass Chambers” in honor of the county’s first female commissioner. Pat Glass, 91, was elected to the County C…
November 27, 2018
By Joe Hendricks
Anna Maria Pier

Pier contract to be discussed Thursday

An organizational meeting for the Anna Maria City Commission will take place Thursday, Nov. 29 at 9 a.m. Mayor Dan Murphy and commissioners Carol Carter and Brian Seymour will take the oath of office…
November 27, 2018
By Joe Hendricks
Night Before Thanksgiving

‘Twas the night before Thanksgiving

ANNA MARIA – The holiday weekend got off to an early start Wednesday night with the Anna Maria General Store & Deli’s The Night Before Thanksgiving party. “I thought it went really well. I wou…
November 27, 2018
By Joe Hendricks
Christmas on Bridge Street

Christmas on Bridge Street nears

BRADENTON BEACH – Sponsored by the Bridge Street Merchants and the Anna Maria Island Sun, the annual Christmas on Bridge Street holiday celebration will unfold on Saturday, Dec. 15. This year’s fa…