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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 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.
January 27, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Clean Water Committee’s reusable bags arrive

The Clean Water Ad Hoc Committee’s “Hard Pass On Plastics” free reusable bags are available at various locations in Holmes Beach, Anna Maria and Longboat Key. Some of the bags also reference Anna Mar…
January 27, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Beach cabana rental regulations almost finished

ANNA MARIA – The mayor and city commissioners are one step closer to the final adoption of a new parks and recreation ordinance that will establish new regulations for beach cabana and tent rentals…
January 23, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

AMI Garden Club wants to spruce up beach accesses

The Anna Maria Island Club seeks $1,000 donations to help beautify the beach access points in Holmes Beach.
January 22, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Dog park concerns addressed

The Scentral Park dog park in Holmes Beach has been resodded as part of the city’s response to requests and concerns voiced by dog park users during recent city commission meetings and Parks and Beau…
January 21, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Parks ordinance addresses beach yoga, dogs and vending

Beach yoga classes and group yoga sessions were a topic of discussion during a Jan. 5 city commission workshop.
January 20, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Holmes Beach residents oppose potential ferry landing location 

At least 35 Holmes Beach residents have signed a petition opposing a potential Gulf Island Ferry stop location in Holmes Beach.
January 20, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

New ordinance will regulate beach cabanas and tents 

The Anna Maria mayor and commission are revising the city’s beach cabana and tent regulations.
January 15, 2026
By Joe Hendricks
Anna Maria seawall regulations being amended

Anna Maria seawall regulations being amended

ANNA MARIA – City commissioners adopted a 60-day emergency ordinance that addresses existing city code that’s been preventing property owners from repairing their seawalls.  On Thursday, Jan. 8, the…
January 13, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

2026 brings change and consistency

Longtime Anna Maria Island Sun employees Bob Alexander (general manager, classified ads and distribution) and John Reitz (accounting and finances) are the new owners of Longboard Communications and t…

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