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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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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…
May 6, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Kansas, The Outlaws bring classic rock joy to Palmetto

Kansas, The Outlaws bring classic rock joy to Palmetto

PALMETTO – The current members of Kansas and The Outlaws did their predecessors proud during the stellar concert they performed at the Bradenton Area Convention Center on May 2. Having both surpasse…
May 6, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Ferry landing requires city commission approval

Ferry landing requires city commission approval

ANNA MARIA – When discussing three conceptual scenarios for a Manatee County-funded Gulf Islands Ferry stop in Anna Maria, Mayor Mark Short said city commission approval is needed for any ferry landi…
May 6, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Professional Municipal Clerks Week honors city clerks

AMI city clerks honored during Professional Municipal Clerks Week

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The annual proclamation of Professional Municipal Clerks Week is a reminder of the important roles city clerks and their staffs play in the operation of a city government. The 56…
May 2, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Mayor proclaims National Safe Boating Week

Mayor proclaims National Safe Boating Week

ANNA MARIA – At the request of Anna Maria Island Sail & Power Squadron Commander Matt Kuber and Past Commander and Anna Maria resident David Haddox, Mayor Mark Short proclaimed May 17-23 as Natio…
April 24, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Anna Maria issuing new re-entry passes

Anna Maria issuing new re-entry passes

ANNA MARIA – The city of Anna Maria is issuing new, bright yellow “State of Emergency” re-entry passes to Anna Maria property owners and business owners. One side of the new pass says, “In the event…
April 22, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Huibers leaving Clean Water Committee

Huibers leaving Clean Water Committee

HOLMES BEACH – Clean Water Ad Hoc Committee founding member and longtime Chair Ron Huibers is leaving the committee after its May 14 meeting. In January, Huibers relinquished the chair’s position an…
April 21, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Kansas carrying on musical legacy in Palmetto

Kansas carrying on musical legacy in Palmetto

PALMETTO – The classically-influenced progressive rock band Kansas is coming to the Braden­ton Area Convention Center and they’re bringing The Outlaws with them. The Friday, May 2 Kansas/Outlaws con…