Skip to main content
Joe Hendricks

Joe Hendricks

February 11, 2017
Joe Hendricks 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 goverments. He also covers Island-related matters at the county and state levels.
Email Joe Hendricks
March 10, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Toilet paper rolls, paper towel rolls sought to help shelter dogs

Keller Williams on the Water Realtor Kim Bowersox seeks the Island community’s help in her efforts to assist local shelter dogs.
March 6, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Voluntary elevation proposed for Seaside Gardens townhomes

Holmes Beach city staff has proposed an ordinance that will allow Seaside Gardens homeowners to voluntarily replace their non-hurricane-damaged, ground-level townhomes with new elevated townhomes.
March 3, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

City celebrates city clerk’s retirement

City officials and visiting city clerks paid tribute to Holmes Beach City Clerk Stacey Johnston during her final regular city commission meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 24.
March 3, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

AMI Garden Club fashions a diamond jubilee 

The Anna Maria Island Garden Club’s fashion show luncheon netted over $40,000.
March 3, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Anna Maria beach cabana rental regulations adopted 

The city’s new beach cabana rental regulations have been adopted and they take effect on Sunday, March 15. 
February 24, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Springfest returning to Holmes Beach

The Springfest arts and crafts show returns to City Field in Holmes Beach on Saturday, Feb. 28, and Sunday, March 1.
February 24, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

‘Captain Scott’ shares his lifetime tales

HOLMES BEACH – Longtime Holmes Beach resident and well-respected fishing guide “Captain Scott” Moore spent an hour sharing tales of his 50 years on Anna Maria Island. He spoke to approximately 70…
February 24, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Tom Vaught: a newspaper man who loved, and was loved

Longtime Sun reporter Tom Vaught passed away on Feb. 20, and his wife, family, co-workers and friends shared their memories and farewells.
February 24, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Boyd amendment could impact proposed cruise port 

Legislation proposed by Florida Senate President Jim Boyd might make it more difficult to build a cruise port near Rattlesnake Key.
February 17, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

County commission approves $2 million for City Pier project 

BRADENTON – Manatee County Commissioners have agreed to provide the city of Anna Maria with up to $2 million for the reconstruction of the hurricane-damaged City Pier walkway.  On Tuesday, Fe…
February 17, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

FEMA obligates $3.59 million for City Pier project 

ANNA MARIA – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has officially obligated $3.59 million in federal funds for the reconstruction and repair of the hurricane-damaged Anna Maria City Pier…
February 17, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

West Manatee Fire and Rescue seeks additional funding source

This story was updated on Feb. 21  ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Anna Maria Island and Cortez residents will help determine the fate of a proposed millage rate-based ad valorem property tax sought by the W…
February 11, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Manatee County Beach Patrol named Beach Patrol of the Year

Manatee County Beach Patrol has been named 2025 Beach Patrol of the Year by the Florida Beach Patrol Chiefs Association.
February 11, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Scentral Park dog park improvements progressing

he city is now providing Scentral Park dog park updates at the city website, www.holmesbeachfl.org. The online updates can also be accessed using the QR codes posted on the dog park gates. 
February 10, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Mainsail president addresses Waterline Marina ferry stop 

Mainsail Lodging & Development President Joe Collier says there’s currently no deal in place to sell Manatee County a boat slip so the county can install and operate a Gulf Islands Ferry stop at Wate…