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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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June 30, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Divided Holmes Beach Commission increases stormwater fee 

By a 3-2 vote, the Holmes Beach City Commission approved increasing the stormwater assessment rate from $2.95 per 100 square feet of property to $4.45 per 100 square feet.
June 22, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Anna Maria code enforcement manager reinstated 

Code Enforcement Manager Tom Collins has returned to work after being placed on administrative leave while his workplace conduct was investigated.
June 22, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

County Commission approves $6.18 million for beach renourishment 

The Manatee County Commission approved the allocation of $6.18 million in tourist development tax revenues for beach renourishment.
June 22, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Judge issues final order in 51st Street beach access dispute

12th Circuit Court Judge Charles Sniffen has issued his final written order regarding a legal dispute over a long-utilized beach access path in Holmes Beach.
June 22, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Volunteers needed for Trash Tri-Fecta cleanup events

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Suncoast Aqua Ventures needs volunteers for the Trash Tri-Fecta cleanup event taking place at two locations on Saturday, June 27, from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The cleanup efforts…
June 16, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

City Pier lease awarded to GSM Partners

Brian Seymour, Ben Sato and Jason Sato have been awarded the lease for both Anna Maria City Pier buildings.
June 15, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Diggins and Zaccagnino seek Holmes Beach mayor’s seat

Dan Diggins and David Zaccagnino are running in the Holmes Beach mayor’s race and Carol Whitmore, Mark Hebden and John Azzata are running for the two city commission seats.
June 15, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Second Avenue debate continues 

The potential redirection or restriction of Second Avenue traffic was discussed again during the June 9 Holmes Beach City Commission meeting.
June 15, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Anna Maria Commission approves Waste Pro agreement

Effective July 1, Waste Pro will replace Waste Management as the city of Anna Maria’s collector of trash, recycling and yard waste.
June 10, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Gloria Dei rezoning application submitted 

The city of Holmes Beach received an application to rezone the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church property to allow for up to 17 single-family homes.
June 10, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Island Players bid farewell to beloved director and actor

ANNA MARIA – The Island Players community theatre group lost a beloved director, actor and friend with the May 29 passing of Jim Thaggard at the age of 69. On June 3, the following message was pos…
June 10, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

AMI friends say farewell to Joey Lester

The Island lost a dear friend with the recent passing of JoAnn “Joey” Lester. 
June 10, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Anna Maria code enforcement manager placed on administrative leave

ANNA MARIA – Code Enforcement Manager Tom Collins was recently placed on paid administrative leave and an investigation was initiated regarding his alleged workplace behavior.  Collins was na…
June 9, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Sun claims four Florida Press Association awards

Congratulations to Sun reporter Leslie Lake, Sun cartoonist Steve Borggren and Sun columnist Rusty Chinnis for their FPA Weekly Newspaper Contest awards. 
June 5, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Juvenile e-bike rider struck on Manatee Avenue

A 13-year-old boy riding an e-bike was struck by a vehicle late Friday morning on Manatee Avenue. The driver of the SUV involved in the accident was not at fault, according to the Bradenton Police De…