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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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September 22, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

 ‘Always a Bridesmaid’ opens Island Players’ Season

The Island Players kicked off its 78th season on Thursday, Sept. 17, with the opening of “Always a Bridesmaid.”
September 18, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

49-year-old man drowns near Passage Key

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) and West Manatee Fire Rescue (WMFR) reported a 49-year-old man died late Friday afternoon while swimming near Passage Key. At 7:39 p…
September 16, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

City Pier repairs, renovations entering final phase

ANNA MARIA – The Anna Maria City Commission authorized Mayor Mark Short to execute a $436,192 contract with Sarasota-based Southern Cross Contracting for the remaining repair and construction service…
September 16, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Holmes Beach reverend served at Ground Zero

Father Gerard Critch served at Ground Zero after the 2001 terrorist attacks.
September 16, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Barb Jeffries named Anna Maria City Clerk

On Oct. 1, Barb Jeffries will become the city of Anna Maria’s new city clerk.
September 16, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Anna Maria’s new stormwater fee calculation method delayed

Anna Maria’s efforts to implement a new method to calculate annual stormwater assessment fees will be delayed a year.
September 15, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Holmes Beach adopting lowered millage rate

Due to an unexpected increase in the total values of all Holmes Beach properties, the property tax-related millage rate will be lower than originally expected for the new 2026-27 fiscal year that beg…
September 11, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Rev. Gerard Critch gives Sept. 11 sermon at St. Bernard Catholic Church

On Friday, Sept. 11, Rev. Gerard Critch gave a 9/11-themed sermon during a special mass held at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Holmes Beach.
September 8, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Anna Maria hosts parking study meeting

Mayor Mark Short spent more than two hours speaking to approximately 150 people during the city’s town hall-style parking study meeting. 
September 8, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

New setup time in effect for Anna Maria beach cabana rentals

ANNA MARIA – One key component of the city of Anna Maria’s recently revised cabana rental regulations was in effect for the Labor Day holiday weekend. The recent regulatory revisions adopted by th…
September 8, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

78th Street beach access trial to begin soon

A lawsuit that alleges the blockage of a shared footpath that provides access to the Gulf is scheduled for trial in September.
September 8, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Anna Maria budget adopted on first reading

ANNA MARIA – The city of Anna Maria’s 2026-27 fiscal year budget has been adopted on first reading and will soon be finalized on second and final reading. On Saturday, Sept. 5, the city commission…
September 1, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Commercial activity increasing at Kingfish Boat Ramp

Holmes Beach officials are growing concerned about the commercial activity at the Kingfish Boat Ramp.
September 1, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Gulf Islands Ferry service now includes Coquina Beach

Manatee County’s Gulf Islands Ferry operation is being expanded to include a stop at the Coquina Bayside South Boat Ramp in Bradenton Beach, across the street from Coquina Beach.
September 1, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Holmes Beach mayor discusses potential paid parking

Mayor Judy Titsworth recently shared her thoughts on the possibility of paid parking in Holmes Beach