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Joe Hendricks

Joe Hendricks

February 11, 2017
Joe Hendricks covers Anna Maria, Holmes Beach and beyond…
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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.
February 24, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Boyd amendment could impact proposed cruise port 

Legislation proposed by Florida Senate President Jim Boyd might make it more difficult to build a cruise port near Rattlesnake Key.
February 17, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

County commission approves $2 million for City Pier project 

BRADENTON – Manatee County Commissioners have agreed to provide the city of Anna Maria with up to $2 million for the reconstruction of the hurricane-damaged City Pier walkway.  On Tuesday, Fe…
February 17, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

FEMA obligates $3.59 million for City Pier project 

ANNA MARIA – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has officially obligated $3.59 million in federal funds for the reconstruction and repair of the hurricane-damaged Anna Maria City Pier…
February 17, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

West Manatee Fire and Rescue seeks additional funding source

This story was updated on Feb. 21  ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Anna Maria Island and Cortez residents will help determine the fate of a proposed millage rate-based ad valorem property tax sought by the W…
February 11, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Manatee County Beach Patrol named Beach Patrol of the Year

Manatee County Beach Patrol has been named 2025 Beach Patrol of the Year by the Florida Beach Patrol Chiefs Association.
February 11, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Scentral Park dog park improvements progressing

he city is now providing Scentral Park dog park updates at the city website, www.holmesbeachfl.org. The online updates can also be accessed using the QR codes posted on the dog park gates. 
February 10, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Mainsail president addresses Waterline Marina ferry stop 

Mainsail Lodging & Development President Joe Collier says there’s currently no deal in place to sell Manatee County a boat slip so the county can install and operate a Gulf Islands Ferry stop at Wate…
February 6, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

New Holmes Beach city clerk named

HOLMES BEACH – Oregon resident Marina Hovious has been named to succeed Stacey Johnston as Holmes Beach’s next city clerk when Johnston retires on March 6.  Since April 2018, Hovious has serv…
February 5, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Commissioners debate past Gloria Dei purchase offer

On Jan. 27, city commissioners engaged in an impromptu discussion about the currently vacant Gloria Dei Lutheran Church property last used for church services in January 2025.
February 4, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Old Wells Fargo bank building to be demolished

Anna Maria Island businessman Jake Spooner now plans to demolish the old Wells Fargo bank building at the corner of Gulf Drive and Marina Drive and build a new building in its place. 
February 3, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Concerns raised about ferry landing efforts

Holmes Beach resident Daria Grinenko expressed concerns about the efforts to bring a ferry stop to that location. 
February 2, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Future use of the City Pier buildings discussed 

 ANNA MARIA – The city hosted a town hall meeting regarding the future use of the City Pier building previously occupied by Mote Marine.  Many who spoke during Tuesday, Jan. 27, meeting…
January 28, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Trolley grants awarded to Island, Cortez non-profits

The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce awarded trolley grants to 17 non-profit organizations from Anna Maria Island and Cortez.
January 28, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

The Wailers bring reggae joy and harmony to Anna Maria

The Wailers performed the iconic songs made famous by Bob Marley and The Wailers.

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