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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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March 17, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Island Players discover love ‘The Second Time Around’

ANNA MARIA –The Island Players’ production of Henry Dencker’s romantic comedy, “The Second Time Around,” tells the tale of a two widowers, Samuel (played by Mark Shoemaker) and Laura (played by Meg N…
March 17, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

West Manatee Fire Rescue officals address special election results and costs

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – On March 10, voters in the West Manatee Fire and Rescue District (WMFR) rejected the fire district’s request to levy a new millage rate-based property tax on properties located in…
March 17, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

City seeks proposals for potential City Pier building wall removals

On Thursday, March 12, Anna Maria City Commissioners unanimously authorized Mayor Mark Short and city staff to seek Invitation to Build proposals from contractors regarding the potential removal of s…
March 17, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Non-commercially-rented beach cabanas still allowed in coastal conservation zones

The city of Anna Maria’s commercial beach cabana rental regulations took effect on Sunday, March 15.
March 13, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

County launches Beach Like a Local life vest initiative

Manatee County’s borrow and return life vest stands have been installed at two beach areas in the city of Anna Maria.
March 10, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Voters reject West Manatee Fire and Rescue property tax request

West Manatee Fire and Rescue district voters rejected the fire district’s request to levy a millage rate-based property tax.
March 10, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Commission considers removing walls from City Pier building

Anna Maria commissioners will be asked to authorize the mayor’s request to get price quotes to remove some walls from the City Pier building.
March 10, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Toilet paper rolls, paper towel rolls sought to help shelter dogs

Keller Williams on the Water Realtor Kim Bowersox seeks the Island community’s help in her efforts to assist local shelter dogs.
March 6, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Voluntary elevation proposed for Seaside Gardens townhomes

Holmes Beach city staff has proposed an ordinance that will allow Seaside Gardens homeowners to voluntarily replace their non-hurricane-damaged, ground-level townhomes with new elevated townhomes.
March 3, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

City celebrates city clerk’s retirement

City officials and visiting city clerks paid tribute to Holmes Beach City Clerk Stacey Johnston during her final regular city commission meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 24.
March 3, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

AMI Garden Club fashions a diamond jubilee 

The Anna Maria Island Garden Club’s fashion show luncheon netted over $40,000.
March 3, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Anna Maria beach cabana rental regulations adopted 

The city’s new beach cabana rental regulations have been adopted and they take effect on Sunday, March 15. 
February 24, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Springfest returning to Holmes Beach

The Springfest arts and crafts show returns to City Field in Holmes Beach on Saturday, Feb. 28, and Sunday, March 1.
February 24, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

‘Captain Scott’ shares his lifetime tales

HOLMES BEACH – Longtime Holmes Beach resident and well-respected fishing guide “Captain Scott” Moore spent an hour sharing tales of his 50 years on Anna Maria Island. He spoke to approximately 70…
February 24, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Tom Vaught: a newspaper man who loved, and was loved

Longtime Sun reporter Tom Vaught passed away on Feb. 20, and his wife, family, co-workers and friends shared their memories and farewells.