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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.
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March 25, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Historical Society hosts annual Heritage Day Festival

ANNA MARIA – In celebration of Anna Maria Island’s past and present were celebrated at the Anna Maria Island Historical Society held its annual Heritage Day Festival on Wednesday, March 18. The annua…
March 24, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Governor says new state law will prevent cruise port

Governor Ron DeSantis said the new state law would prevent a new cruise port from being built in the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve.
March 19, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

DeSantis signs legislation that seeks to prevent proposed cruise port

BRADENTON – During Thursday’s press conference held at the Pier 22 restaurant in Bradenton, Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law the dredging prohibitions contained in Senate Bill 302 and the matchi…
March 17, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Island Players discover love ‘The Second Time Around’

ANNA MARIA –The Island Players’ production of Henry Dencker’s romantic comedy, “The Second Time Around,” tells the tale of a two widowers, Samuel (played by Mark Shoemaker) and Laura (played by Meg N…
March 17, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

West Manatee Fire Rescue officals address special election results and costs

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – On March 10, voters in the West Manatee Fire and Rescue District (WMFR) rejected the fire district’s request to levy a new millage rate-based property tax on properties located in…
March 17, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

City seeks proposals for potential City Pier building wall removals

On Thursday, March 12, Anna Maria City Commissioners unanimously authorized Mayor Mark Short and city staff to seek Invitation to Build proposals from contractors regarding the potential removal of s…
March 17, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Non-commercially-rented beach cabanas still allowed in coastal conservation zones

The city of Anna Maria’s commercial beach cabana rental regulations took effect on Sunday, March 15.
March 13, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

County launches Beach Like a Local life vest initiative

Manatee County’s borrow and return life vest stands have been installed at two beach areas in the city of Anna Maria.
March 10, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Voters reject West Manatee Fire and Rescue property tax request

West Manatee Fire and Rescue district voters rejected the fire district’s request to levy a millage rate-based property tax.
March 10, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Commission considers removing walls from City Pier building

Anna Maria commissioners will be asked to authorize the mayor’s request to get price quotes to remove some walls from the City Pier building.
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.