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Joe Hendricks

Joe Hendricks

February 11, 2017
Joe Hendricks covers Anna Maria, Holmes Beach and beyond…
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January 28, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Trolley grants awarded to Island, Cortez non-profits

The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce awarded trolley grants to 17 non-profit organizations from Anna Maria Island and Cortez.
January 28, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

The Wailers bring reggae joy and harmony to Anna Maria

The Wailers performed the iconic songs made famous by Bob Marley and The Wailers.
January 27, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Clean Water Committee’s reusable bags arrive

The Clean Water Ad Hoc Committee’s “Hard Pass On Plastics” free reusable bags are available at various locations in Holmes Beach, Anna Maria and Longboat Key. Some of the bags also reference Anna Mar…
January 27, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Beach cabana rental regulations almost finished

ANNA MARIA – The mayor and city commissioners are one step closer to the final adoption of a new parks and recreation ordinance that will establish new regulations for beach cabana and tent rentals…
January 23, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

AMI Garden Club wants to spruce up beach accesses

The Anna Maria Island Club seeks $1,000 donations to help beautify the beach access points in Holmes Beach.
January 22, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Dog park concerns addressed

The Scentral Park dog park in Holmes Beach has been resodded as part of the city’s response to requests and concerns voiced by dog park users during recent city commission meetings and Parks and Beau…
January 21, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Parks ordinance addresses beach yoga, dogs and vending

Beach yoga classes and group yoga sessions were a topic of discussion during a Jan. 5 city commission workshop.
January 20, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Holmes Beach residents oppose potential ferry landing location 

At least 35 Holmes Beach residents have signed a petition opposing a potential Gulf Island Ferry stop location in Holmes Beach.
January 20, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

New ordinance will regulate beach cabanas and tents 

The Anna Maria mayor and commission are revising the city’s beach cabana and tent regulations.
January 15, 2026
By Joe Hendricks
Anna Maria seawall regulations being amended

Anna Maria seawall regulations being amended

ANNA MARIA – City commissioners adopted a 60-day emergency ordinance that addresses existing city code that’s been preventing property owners from repairing their seawalls.  On Thursday, Jan. 8, the…
January 13, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

2026 brings change and consistency

Longtime Anna Maria Island Sun employees Bob Alexander (general manager, classified ads and distribution) and John Reitz (accounting and finances) are the new owners of Longboard Communications and t…
January 13, 2026
By Joe Hendricks
Mote Marine’s City Pier lease terminated

Mote Marine’s City Pier lease terminated

ANNA MARIA – The city of Anna Maria and the Sarasota-based Mote Marine Laboratory mutually agreed to terminate the lease agreement that allowed Mote’s Marine Education, Science & Outreach Center…
January 13, 2026
By Joe Hendricks
Anna Maria Winter Art & Craft Show returns this weekend

Anna Maria Winter Art & Craft Show returns this weekend

HOLMES BEACH – Blue Ribbon Events is bringing its 7th annual Anna Maria Winter Art & Craft Show to City Field in Holmes Beach on Saturday, Jan. 17, and Sunday, Jan. 18, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  T…
January 13, 2026
By Joe Hendricks
Island Players commit ‘Murder by Misadventure’

Island Players commit ‘Murder by Misadventure’

ANNA MARIA – The Island Players’ theatrical production of Edward Taylor’s “Murder by Misadventure” is chock full of murderous twists and turns.  The three-week production opened on Thursday, Jan. 8…
January 10, 2026
By Joe Hendricks
Slicker’s Eatery saying farewell

Slicker’s Eatery saying farewell

CORTEZ – Slicker’s Eatery owner Bob Slicker is winding down his restaurant operations and the leased space he currently occupies will soon be transformed into Izzy’s Place, a family diner operated by…

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