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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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June 2, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Holmes Beach hurricane preparations

Lessons for Holmes Beach guide this year’s hurricane preparations

HOLMES BEACH – As the largest and most populated of the three Anna Maria Island cities, Holmes Beach city officials learned a lot from the challenges presented by Hurricanes Helene and Milton last ye…
June 2, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Anna Maria hurricane lessons

In Anna Maria, hurricane lessons learned carry forward

ANNA MARIA – Last year, mayor Dan Murphy guided the city of Anna Maria’s hurricane preparation, response and recovery efforts. He was assisted by City Commissioner Mark Short and city staff. As mayor…
May 31, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Utilities work, intersection closure continues near Cortez Bridge

Utilities work, intersection closure continues near Cortez Bridge

CORTEZ – Motorists and others traveling along Cortez Road West, near the Cortez Bridge and the former Seafood Shack property, during Memorial Day weekend will encounter a closed intersection at 127th…
May 28, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
City block party celebrates community

City block party celebrates community

ANNA MARIA – The city of Anna Maria hosted a community block party at City Pier Park on May 24. Mayor Mark Short and City Commissioner Charlie Salem suggested the event as a way to bring the communi…
May 27, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Police chief addresses e-bikes, e-motorcycles

Police chief addresses e-bikes, e-motorcycles

HOLMES BEACH – As a follow-up to a previous city commission discussion, Police Chief Bill Tokajer provided an update on the state and city laws that apply to electric bikes (e-bikes) and higher watta…
May 27, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Veterans honored on Memorial Day

Veterans honored on Memorial Day

ANNA MARIA – The city of Anna Maria’s Memorial Day Patriotic Symphony Salute honored those who gave their lives in service to our country. The ceremony also recognized those who served and survived…
May 23, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Mayor stops improper beach access parking restriction

Mayor stops improper beach access parking restriction

BRADENTON BEACH – Mayor John Chappie took swift action to halt a beachfront resort company’s short-lived efforts to designate public parking spaces at the 23rd Street North beach access point as park…
May 20, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Beach hole concerns deepen

Beach hole concerns deepen

HOLMES BEACH – Deeply-dug beach holes, and using metal shovels to dig those holes, are becoming a major concern on Anna Maria Island’s beaches; and county officials are asking the three Island cities…
May 20, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Memorial bench replacement cost established

Memorial bench replacement cost established

HOLMES BEACH – Those who lost memorial benches during Hurricanes Helene and Milton will have to pay the city $1,000 if they want a new bench built and reinstalled. Most of the city-made memorial ben…
May 16, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
‘Grace & Glorie’ share life lessons in Island Players' season closer

‘Grace & Glorie’ share life lessons in Island Players’ season closer

ANNA MARIA – The Island Players’ 76th theatrical season ends on a high note this weekend with Friday and Saturday evening performances of “Grace & Glorie” and a season ending final performance at…
May 12, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
‘Grace & Glorie’ face end-of-life challenges

‘Grace & Glorie’ face end-of-life challenges

ANNA MARIA – The Island Players’ 76th theater season concludes with 10 performances of Tom Ziegler’s dramatic comedy, “Grace & Glorie,” which opens Thursday, May 8 and closes Sunday, May 18. “Gr…
May 12, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Anna Maria ferry landing discussions continue

Anna Maria ferry landing discussions continue

ANNA MARIA – Manatee County and Anna Maria officials spent an hour or so discussing five potential Gulf Islands Ferry landing locations at or near the City Pier. During the May 8 city commission mee…
May 12, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Water main project update provided

Water main project update provided

HOLMES BEACH – On May 5, Holmes Beach Public Works Director Sage Kamiya received a project update from Manatee County on the water main replacement project that’s been underway for several months alo…
May 12, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
MCSO Anna Maria Unit honored for hurricane response

MCSO Anna Maria Unit honored for hurricane response

ANNA MARIA – For their dedication and service during and after Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024, Sgt. Brett Getman and Manatee County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) Deputies Edward Aleppo, Matt Daughert…
May 9, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
AMI Moose Lodge back on track

AMI Moose Lodge back on track

BRADENTON BEACH – The hurricane-damaged AMI Moose Lodge #2188 celebrated a joyous reopening on May 1. Offering limited seating and no on-site parking, the lodge is now open daily from 11 a.m. to 10…