Joe Hendricks

February 11, 2017

Joe Hendricks 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 goverments. He also covers Island-related matters at the county and state levels.

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April 7, 2026

By Joe Hendricks

Easter Sunrise Service attracts massive and joyous crowd

HOLMES BEACH – An estimated 3,000 to 4,000 people attended the Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island’s 61st annual Easter Sunrise Service, according to Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer. …

April 7, 2026

By Joe Hendricks

Verdict reached, final judgment pending in beach access lawsuit

HOLMES BEACH – On March 20, a jury ruled in favor of several plaintiffs involved in a civil lawsuit pertaining to the decades-long use of a beach access path located on an easement associated w…

March 31, 2026

By Joe Hendricks

Hunters Point canal settlement reached with one defendant

One of the defendants, Jacquelyn Shepard, named in a 2022 lawsuit regarding the residential use of the man-made Hunters Point-owned canal reached a settlement agreement with Cortez Road Investments a…

March 31, 2026

By Joe Hendricks

Anna Maria adopts revised commercial beach activity regulations

The Anna Maria City Commission updated the city’s commercial beach activity regulations that address rented cabanas, tents and umbrellas.

March 31, 2026

By Joe Hendricks

AMI Moose Lodge hosts beachfront Easter egg hunt

Anna Maria Island Moose Lodge 2188 held its annual children’s Easter party on Saturday, March 28.

March 25, 2026

By Joe Hendricks

Historical Society hosts annual Heritage Day Festival

ANNA MARIA – In celebration of Anna Maria Island’s past and present were celebrated at the Anna Maria Island Historical Society held its annual Heritage Day Festival on Wednesday, March 18. The annua…

March 24, 2026

By Joe Hendricks

Governor says new state law will prevent cruise port

Governor Ron DeSantis said the new state law would prevent a new cruise port from being built in the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve.

March 19, 2026

By Joe Hendricks

DeSantis signs legislation that seeks to prevent proposed cruise port

BRADENTON – During Thursday’s press conference held at the Pier 22 restaurant in Bradenton, Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law the dredging prohibitions contained in Senate Bill 302 and the matchi…

March 17, 2026

By Joe Hendricks

Island Players discover love ‘The Second Time Around’

ANNA MARIA –The Island Players’ production of Henry Dencker’s romantic comedy, “The Second Time Around,” tells the tale of a two widowers, Samuel (played by Mark Shoemaker) and Laura (played by Meg N…

March 17, 2026

By Joe Hendricks

West Manatee Fire Rescue officals address special election results and costs

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – On March 10, voters in the West Manatee Fire and Rescue District (WMFR) rejected the fire district’s request to levy a new millage rate-based property tax on properties located in…

March 17, 2026

By Joe Hendricks

City seeks proposals for potential City Pier building wall removals

On Thursday, March 12, Anna Maria City Commissioners unanimously authorized Mayor Mark Short and city staff to seek Invitation to Build proposals from contractors regarding the potential removal of s…

March 17, 2026

By Joe Hendricks