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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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October 6, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

LaRowe resigns before stepping into new role

On Monday, Sept. 28, City Clerk and city administrator appointee Amber LaRowe submitted her resignation memo to Mayor Mark Short. 
October 6, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Mayor addresses LaRowe resignation

On Saturday, Oct. 3, Anna Maria Mayor Mark Short discussed by phone the resignation of City Clerk and city administrator appointee Amber LaRowe. 
October 6, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Voters being asked to vacate city-owned alley

 HOLMES BEACH – Ben ten Haaf, the owner of the vacant property at 2902 Ave. E, seeks voter approval to vacate a city-owned alley so he can build two beachfront homes on his undeveloped land…
October 6, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Holmes Beach Commission candidates participate in forum

 HOLMES BEACH – The Sun hosted a Holmes Beach City Commission candidates forum at city hall on Thursday, Oct. 1.  The forum featured first-time candidates John Azzata and Mark Hebden, an…
October 6, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Video: Holmes Beach City Commission candidates forum, Oct. 1, 2026

On Thursday, Oct. 1, the AMI Sun hosted a Holmes Beach City Commission candidates forum featuring incumbent commissioner Carol Whitmore and first-time challengers Mark Hebden and John Azzata. The thr…
October 6, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Mayoral candidates discuss past experience, managerial style

This week’s story about the Holmes Beach mayor candidates focuses on the skills and experience they’d bring to the mayor’s office, their similarities with and differences from the current mayor, and…
October 6, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Anna Maria parking discussions continue

Anna Maria’s ongoing efforts to implement a parking program that includes resident permit parking and paid parking were discussed on Sept. 23.
October 6, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Anna Maria Commission adopting employee salary ranges

The city of Anna Maria is adopting a formal compensation framework and compensation administration policy for city employees.
October 1, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

City Administrator Amber LaRowe resigns

City Administrator and former City Clerk Amber LaRowe tendered her resignation Thursday morning.
September 28, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Employee complaints resurface in Anna Maria

ANNA MARIA – Workplace complaints four current and former Anna Maria employees sent Mayor Mark Short in May resurfaced on Tuesday, Sept. 22, when finance department assistant Jeff Charles sent an ema…
September 28, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Diggins, Zaccagnino debate mayoral issues 

HOLMES BEACH – Holmes Beach mayoral candidates Dan Diggins and David Zaccagnino shared their views on a multitude of city issues during The Sun’s candidate forum held at city hall on Wednesday, Sept…
September 28, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Three companies seek beach cabana rental agreements in Anna Maria

Three local companies seek franchise agreements with the city of Anna Maria for beach cabana rentals.
September 28, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Video: Holmes Beach Mayor Candidate Forum: Sept. 23, 2026

The Sept. 23 Holmes Beach mayor candidates forum featuring Dan Diggins and David Zaccagnono can be viewed at this YouTube Page.
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…