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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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July 21, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Holmes Beach Commission plans to lower millage rate

Holmes Beach commissioners intend to lower the current 1.99 millage rate to 1.9272 mills when the city’s 2026-27 budget is adopted in September.
July 21, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Anna Maria Commission begins budget discussions

The mayor and city commissioners kicked off their multi-meeting budget adoption process with a budget workshop on Thursday, July 16.
July 21, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

AMI Outfitters moves to Holmes Beach

HOLMES BEACH – After 14 years in Anna Maria, AMI Outfitters has relocated to Holmes Beach.  Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., AMI Outfitters is now located at 5337 Gulf Drive, Suite 200, Hol…
July 15, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Driveway configuration prompts drainage debate

The construction of a new home at 242 Lakeview Drive in Anna Maria has resulted in some residents questioning the homebuilders’ compliance with city code regarding lot coverage and stormwater retenti…
July 14, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Request to vacate city property to be placed on fall ballot

HOLMES BEACH – In November, Holmes Beach’s registered voters will determine whether an undeveloped and vacant city-owned alley will be vacated to the owner of the beachfront property at 2902 Avenue E…
July 8, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Anna Maria cabana rental discussions resume 

City officials plan to further revise the beach cabana rental regulations the city of Anna Maria enacted in March.
July 8, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Commission suspends Second Avenue discussions, for now

HOLMES BEACH – Holmes Beach commissioners have discontinued for the foreseeable future their discussions about altering or adjusting the flow of traffic on Second Avenue. On June 23, commissioners…
July 7, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Fourth of July parade returns to AMI 

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – After last year’s parade was canceled due to a lack of participation, the Anna Maria Island Privateers Fourth of July parade returned in a glorious manner on America’s 250th anniv…
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.