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Joe Hendricks

Joe Hendricks

February 11, 2017
Joe Hendricks covers Anna Maria, Holmes Beach and tourism.
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January 22, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Dog park concerns addressed

The Scentral Park dog park in Holmes Beach has been resodded as part of the city’s response to requests and concerns voiced by dog park users during recent city commission meetings and Parks and Beau…
January 21, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Parks ordinance addresses beach yoga, dogs and vending

Beach yoga classes and group yoga sessions were a topic of discussion during a Jan. 5 city commission workshop.
January 20, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Holmes Beach residents oppose potential ferry landing location 

At least 35 Holmes Beach residents have signed a petition opposing a potential Gulf Island Ferry stop location in Holmes Beach.
January 20, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

New ordinance will regulate beach cabanas and tents 

The Anna Maria mayor and commission are revising the city’s beach cabana and tent regulations.
January 15, 2026
By Joe Hendricks
Anna Maria seawall regulations being amended

Anna Maria seawall regulations being amended

ANNA MARIA – City commissioners adopted a 60-day emergency ordinance that addresses existing city code that’s been preventing property owners from repairing their seawalls.  On Thursday, Jan. 8, the…
January 13, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

2026 brings change and consistency

Longtime Anna Maria Island Sun employees Bob Alexander (general manager, classified ads and distribution) and John Reitz (accounting and finances) are the new owners of Longboard Communications and t…
January 13, 2026
By Joe Hendricks
Mote Marine’s City Pier lease terminated

Mote Marine’s City Pier lease terminated

ANNA MARIA – The city of Anna Maria and the Sarasota-based Mote Marine Laboratory mutually agreed to terminate the lease agreement that allowed Mote’s Marine Education, Science & Outreach Center…
January 13, 2026
By Joe Hendricks
Anna Maria Winter Art & Craft Show returns this weekend

Anna Maria Winter Art & Craft Show returns this weekend

HOLMES BEACH – Blue Ribbon Events is bringing its 7th annual Anna Maria Winter Art & Craft Show to City Field in Holmes Beach on Saturday, Jan. 17, and Sunday, Jan. 18, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  T…
January 13, 2026
By Joe Hendricks
Island Players commit ‘Murder by Misadventure’

Island Players commit ‘Murder by Misadventure’

ANNA MARIA – The Island Players’ theatrical production of Edward Taylor’s “Murder by Misadventure” is chock full of murderous twists and turns.  The three-week production opened on Thursday, Jan. 8…
January 10, 2026
By Joe Hendricks
Slicker’s Eatery saying farewell

Slicker’s Eatery saying farewell

CORTEZ – Slicker’s Eatery owner Bob Slicker is winding down his restaurant operations and the leased space he currently occupies will soon be transformed into Izzy’s Place, a family diner operated by…
January 6, 2026
By Joe Hendricks
Clean Water Committee ready for 2026

Clean Water Committee ready for 2026

HOLMES BEACH – The Holmes Beach-based Clean Water Ad Hoc Committee heads into 2026 riding a wave of positive momentum created in 2025. Working in unison with the city-funded Islanders 4 Clean Water…
January 2, 2026
By Joe Hendricks
Holmes Beach couple completes 110th jigsaw puzzle

Holmes Beach couple complete 110th jigsaw puzzle

HOLMES BEACH – Fran and Wayne Derr started working on their 111th jigsaw puzzle on Sunday, Dec. 28. The Holmes Beach residents live in the Key Royale com­munity and they began doing jigsaw puzzles a…
January 1, 2026
By Joe Hendricks
Sun Persons of the Year

Sun Persons of the Year: The entire Anna Maria Island community

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – An often-cited proverb says, “It takes a village to raise a child.” In that same spirit, The Sun says, “It takes an entire Island to recover from back-to-back hurricanes.” For tha…
January 1, 2026
By Joe Hendricks
Holmes Beach: The Year in Review

Holmes Beach: The Year in Review

HOLMES BEACH – The city of Holmes Beach celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2025 and the Dec. 5 celebration at City Field was symbolic of the city’s return from the back-to-back hurricanes that struck…
December 31, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Anna Maria: The Year in Review

Anna Maria: The Year in Review

ANNA MARIA – The reconstruction of the Anna Maria City Pier, the ongoing recovery from Hurricanes Helene and Milton and the short-lived Bean Point no-swim zone were among the top stories in Anna Mari…

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