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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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October 6, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Mayoral candidates discuss past experience, managerial style

This week’s story about the Holmes Beach mayor candidates focuses on the skills and experience they’d bring to the mayor’s office, their similarities with and differences from the current mayor, and…
October 6, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Anna Maria parking discussions continue

Anna Maria’s ongoing efforts to implement a parking program that includes resident permit parking and paid parking were discussed on Sept. 23.
October 6, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Anna Maria Commission adopting employee salary ranges

The city of Anna Maria is adopting a formal compensation framework and compensation administration policy for city employees.
October 1, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

City Administrator Amber LaRowe resigns

City Administrator and former City Clerk Amber LaRowe tendered her resignation Thursday morning.
September 28, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Employee complaints resurface in Anna Maria

ANNA MARIA – Workplace complaints four current and former Anna Maria employees sent Mayor Mark Short in May resurfaced on Tuesday, Sept. 22, when finance department assistant Jeff Charles sent an ema…
September 28, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Diggins, Zaccagnino debate mayoral issues 

HOLMES BEACH – Holmes Beach mayoral candidates Dan Diggins and David Zaccagnino shared their views on a multitude of city issues during The Sun’s candidate forum held at city hall on Wednesday, Sept…
September 28, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Three companies seek beach cabana rental agreements in Anna Maria

Three local companies seek franchise agreements with the city of Anna Maria for beach cabana rentals.
September 22, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

 ‘Always a Bridesmaid’ opens Island Players’ Season

The Island Players kicked off its 78th season on Thursday, Sept. 17, with the opening of “Always a Bridesmaid.”
September 18, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

49-year-old man drowns near Passage Key

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) and West Manatee Fire Rescue (WMFR) reported a 49-year-old man died late Friday afternoon while swimming near Passage Key. At 7:39 p…
September 16, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

City Pier repairs, renovations entering final phase

ANNA MARIA – The Anna Maria City Commission authorized Mayor Mark Short to execute a $436,192 contract with Sarasota-based Southern Cross Contracting for the remaining repair and construction service…
September 16, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Holmes Beach reverend served at Ground Zero

Father Gerard Critch served at Ground Zero after the 2001 terrorist attacks.
September 16, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Barb Jeffries named Anna Maria City Clerk

On Oct. 1, Barb Jeffries will become the city of Anna Maria’s new city clerk.
September 16, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Anna Maria’s new stormwater fee calculation method delayed

Anna Maria’s efforts to implement a new method to calculate annual stormwater assessment fees will be delayed a year.
September 15, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Holmes Beach adopting lowered millage rate

Due to an unexpected increase in the total values of all Holmes Beach properties, the property tax-related millage rate will be lower than originally expected for the new 2026-27 fiscal year that beg…
September 11, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Rev. Gerard Critch gives Sept. 11 sermon at St. Bernard Catholic Church

On Friday, Sept. 11, Rev. Gerard Critch gave a 9/11-themed sermon during a special mass held at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Holmes Beach.