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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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September 26, 2025
By Joe Hendricks

July 2025 tourist tax collections

Manatee County’s 6% tourist development tax (resort tax) is collected from hotel, motel, resort, condo and other short-term vacation accom­modations rented for six months or less. The amounts shown…
September 24, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Love prevails in ‘Janus’

Love prevails in ‘Janus’

ANNA MARIA – The Island Players 2025-26 com­munity theater season is off to an excellent start with the Sept. 18-28 performances of the infidelity-inspired romantic comedy, “Janus.” Written by Carol…
September 23, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Court ruling allows openly carried guns in public places

Court ruling allows openly carried guns in public places

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – A recent court ruling now allows rifles, shotguns, holstered sidearms and other firearms to be openly carried in public throughout Florida, with certain exceptions, prompting wide…
September 23, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
2024 hurricanes revisited; two piers remain closed

2024 hurricanes revisited; two piers remain closed

ANNA MARIA – One year ago, Hurricanes Helene and Milton inundated Anna Maria Island, destroying two iconic piers, leaving only the Bradenton Beach pier standing. On Sept. 26, Helene inflicted signif…
September 18, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
City officials appreciate county joining SB 180 lawsuit

City officials appreciate county joining SB 180 lawsuit

HOLMES BEACH – The city is not joining the Senate Bill 180 lawsuit but city officials appreciate the Manatee County Commission’s recent decision to do so. On Sept. 2, county commis­sioners voted 6-1…
September 17, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Sun to host Holmes Beach candidate forum

Sun to host Holmes Beach candidate forum

HOLMES BEACH – The Anna Maria Island Sun will host a Holmes Beach city commission candidate forum at Holmes Beach City Hall on Wednesday, Sept. 24 from 6-7:30 p.m., and the public is invited. The fo…
September 17, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
No millage increase for Holmes Beach property owners

No millage increase for Holmes Beach property owners

HOLMES BEACH – The mayor and city commissioners are maintaining the current 1.99 millage rate rather than increasing it to the maximum 2.1812 millage rate tentatively adopted by a 3-2 vote in late Ju…
September 16, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Bean Point property owners can swim in ‘no swim’ zone

Mayor vetoes Bean Point ‘no swim’ zone ordinance

Story updated 9/20/25 ANNA MARIA – On Sept. 15, Mayor Mark Short vetoed the Bean Point ‘no swim’ zone emergency ordinance unanimously adopted by city commissioners on Sept. 11 that would have allowe…
September 16, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Vacation rental stakeholders share common goals

Vacation rental stakeholders share common goals

HOLMES BEACH – Working together and supporting each other’s efforts were two main themes shared during the Vacation Rental Stakehold­ers meeting held at Holmes Beach city hall on Sept. 10. More than…
September 16, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Anna Maria parts ways with embattled building official

Anna Maria parts ways with embattled building official

ANNA MARIA – Craig Greene is no longer serving as Anna Maria’s contracted building official. Toward the end of the Sept. 11 Anna Maria City Commission meeting, Mayor Mark Short briefly addressed Gre…
September 9, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Manatee County joining SB 180 legal challenge

Manatee County joining SB 180 legal challenge

MANATEE COUNTY – Manatee County is joining a soon to be filed lawsuit that will challenge the new state law created by the Florida Legislature and Gov. Ron DeSantis’s adoption and enactment of Senate…
September 9, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Holmes Beach officials discuss SB 180

Holmes Beach officials discuss SB 180

HOLMES BEACH – City officials are taking a wait and see approach to joining a yet to be filed lawsuit that will challenge a new state law that significantly re­stricts Florida cities and counties’ ab…
September 9, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Bowling fun raises funds for The Center

Bowling fun raises funds for The Center

BRADENTON – The Greg LaPensee Bowling Tourna­ment at Bowlero in Bradenton on Sept. 6 was a fun-filled community event that raised funds for The Center of Anna Maria Island. Holmes Beach-based LaPens…
September 3, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
No swim zone implemented after Bean Point drowning

No swim zone implemented after Bean Point drowning

ANNA MARIA – Swimming is now prohibited at Bean Point in Anna Maria. Implemented on Tuesday, Sept. 2, the Bean Point no swim zone extends around Bean Point from the Fern Street beach access to the b…
September 2, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Anna Maria increases stormwater fees

Anna Maria increases stormwater fees

ANNA MARIA – Property owners in the city will see their annual stormwater fees double from $2 per 100 square feet of property to $4 per 100 square feet. On Aug. 28, city commissioners Chris Arendt…