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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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March 25, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
‘Lights on Broadway’ inspire garden club flower show

‘Lights on Broadway’ inspire garden club flower show

ANNA MARIA – Inspired by Broadway musicals, Anna Maria Island Garden Club members displayed their floral arranging talents and creativity during the club’s annual flower show. Held in the Roser Memo…
March 25, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Mingo’s restaurant coming to Holmes Beach

Mingo’s restaurant coming to Holmes Beach

HOLMES BEACH – Three years ago, Ben Sato opened his gRub tropical barbeque restau­rant in Anna Maria. He now plans to open Mingo’s Rooftop Restau­rant and Sports Bar in Holmes Beach with his brother…
March 24, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Heritage Day celebrates historical museum’s recovery

Heritage Day celebrates historical museum’s recovery

ANNA MARIA – The annual Heritage Day Festival took on even greater significance this year because of the storm surge damage that the Anna Maria Island Historical Museum suffered during Hurricane Hele…
March 24, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Holmes Beach mayor responds to DOGE letter

Holmes Beach mayor responds to DOGE letter

HOLMES BEACH – Island leaders are under a deadline to respond to a letter they received this month from the new state DOGE task force, and the Holmes Beach mayor has already taken action. Gov. Ron D…
March 24, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Holmes Beach to extend non-conforming structure permit deadline  

Holmes Beach to extend non-conforming structure permit deadline  

HOLMES BEACH – City staff proposes amending the city’s Land Development Code (LDC) to assist property owners whose non-conforming structures were damaged by Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024. Acc…
March 21, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
The birds are back in town

The birds are back in town

HOLMES BEACH – The parrots that live at the Sun and Surf Beach Shop, 5418 Marina Drive, are back at their familiar perch. On Oct. 7, two days before Hurricane Milton struck, the parrots were relocat…
March 19, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Holmes Beach assists Wildlife Inc.

Holmes Beach assists Wildlife Inc.

HOLMES BEACH – The city of Holmes Beach donated $5,000 to the Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center Inc. to assist that non-profit organization’s ongoing hurricane recovery efforts. In Februa…
March 19, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Pine Avenue liquor store decision delayed

Pine Avenue liquor store decision delayed

ANNA MARIA – City commis­sion approval of a special use permit to operate a package liquor store at 501 Pine Ave. has been delayed for at least two weeks. Ryan Quigley and Jake Parsons hope to open…
March 19, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
E-bikes regulated like bicycles

E-bikes regulated like bicycles

Updated: 3/20/25 at 10:49 a.m. HOLMES BEACH – When discussing development-related transportation requirements dur­ing the March 13 city commission work session, Commissioner Dan Diggins asked if ele…
March 19, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Mayor addresses building permit applications

Mayor addresses building permit applications

ANNA MARIA – The city has implemented a new process that helps address recent social media comments questioning its ability to review and issue hurricane-related building permits in a timely manner…
March 19, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Island Players commit ‘Death by Design’

Island Players commit ‘Death by Design’

ANNA MARIA – The Island Players’ production of Rob Urbinati’s “Death by Design” is an entertaining, comedic, ‘whodunit’ that features witty dialogue and unexpected plot twists dispensed by a talented…
March 18, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Commissioners support latest Key Royale parking proposal

Commissioners support latest Key Royale parking proposal

HOLMES BEACH – Parking along Key Royale Drive from Marina Drive to the bridge will not be limited to the north side of the street as previously discussed by city commissioners on Feb. 25. When discu…
March 18, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Report identifies cause of pier walkway failure

Report identifies cause of pier walkway failure

ANNA MARIA – The combined impacts of Hurricanes Helene and Milton caused the Anna Maria City Pier walkway to fail, according to an inspection report provided by the George F. Young engineering firm…
March 18, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
City staff praised for recovery efforts, flood insurance discounts

City staff praised for recovery efforts, flood insurance discounts

HOLMES BEACH – The city’s hurricane recovery efforts earned praise from FEMA representatives, and property owners will soon be eligible for 25% flood insurance discounts. Director of Development Ser…
March 13, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Heritage Day Festival will celebrate Island’s history

Heritage Day Festival will celebrate Island’s history

ANNA MARIA – The Anna Maria Island Historical Society will host its annual Heritage Day Festival on Tuesday, March 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Heritage Day Festival is a free celebration of the hi…