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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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August 3, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Young woman dies after fall on Egmont Key 

Twenty-year-old Victoria Zardoya later died after sustaining serious injuries when she fell from the ruins of old Fort Dade on Egmont Key on Friday, July 24.
August 3, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Anna Maria budget discussions continue

The budget discussions continue in Anna Maria as the September budget adoption deadline draws closer.
July 28, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Public comment sought for Aqua’s proposed gabion wall

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District seeks public comment on the proposed construction of a gabion wall along the Long Bar Point/Sarasota Bay shoreline.
July 28, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Anna Maria officials divided on millage increase 

ANNA MARIA – Commissioner Charlie Salem said he will not support a property tax-related millage increase sought by commissioners Chris Arendt and John Lynch for the new 2026-27 fiscal year that begin…
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.