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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 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…
June 2, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Second Avenue alternative to Gulf Drive might be eliminated

HOLMES BEACH – City officials are considering altering the traffic patterns along Second Avenue and Fifth Avenue to prevent those residential streets from being used as southbound “cut-throughs” by m…
June 2, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Holmes Beach stormwater fee discussions continue

On May 26, Holmes Beach city officials continued the stormwater fee assessment discussion that began on May 12. 
June 2, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Holmes Beach Code Compliance Department honored

The week of June 1 through June 7 has been proclaimed as Code Enforcement Officers’ Appreciation Week in Holmes Beach.
June 2, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Sea oats planted along Anna Maria shoreline

ANNA MARIA – On Saturday, May 23, volunteers planted 4,000 sea oats along the Gulf shoreline in Anna Maria.  Anna Maria Public Works Manager Dean Jones mentioned the planting project while pr…
May 29, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Public works supervisor provides rainfall, flooding update

This story was updated at 7 p.m. on May 29 regarding Dan Diggin’s suggested stormwater fee calculation method. HOLMES BEACH – On Thursday, May 28, Holmes Beach Public Works Director Herb Raybourn…
May 26, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

City investigated treasurer’s credit card expenditures 

ANNA MARIA – Public records obtained from the city clerk’s office provide more details about the credit card expenditures referenced in the lawsuit complaint former city treasurer LeAnne (Addy) Endre…
May 26, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Documents detail Anna Maria’s vehicle tracking activities

Anna Maria Public Works Manager Dean Jones reported the hidden tracking device to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office late last year.
May 26, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Titsworth not seeking reelection, Diggins seeks mayor’s seat 

HOLMES BEACH – Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth will not seek reelection.  On Thursday, May 21, Titsworth shared a letter in which she announced she’ll retire from city government when her curren…
May 26, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Sgt. Getman named Hundred Club’s officer of the year

ANNA MARIA – On May 14, the Manatee Hundred Club named Manatee County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) Sergeant Brett Getman as the 2026 Manatee County Officer of the Year. During the club’s annual banquet, l…