Skip to main content
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.
Email Joe Hendricks
January 27, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Anna Maria man saves distressed kayaker

Anna Maria man saves distressed kayaker

ANNA MARIA – Anna Maria resident John Rice’s swift actions likely saved the life of a kayaker whose kayak sank in Tampa Bay. On Jan. 6 around 5 p.m., John and Tricia Rice were at their bayfront home…
January 27, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Gloria Dei church closes, property to be sold

Gloria Dei church closes, property to be sold

HOLMES BEACH – Gloria Dei Lutheran Church has closed and city officials hope to purchase the building and property if financially feasible. On Jan. 18, the church hosted a Holy Closure service as it…
January 25, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Expanded farmers market opens in Anna Maria

Expanded farmers market opens in Anna Maria

ANNA MARIA – Featuring 28 vendors, the new Anna Maria Community Farmers Market enjoyed a successful opening day at The Center of Anna Maria Island on Jan. 14. Accompanied by sunshine and cool-to-mod…
January 25, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Kaleta seeks Tourist Development Council appointment

Kaleta seeks appointment to Tourist Development Council

MANATEE COUNTY – Anna Maria Island developer Shawn Kaleta is among the seven applicants seeking appointment to the Manatee County Tourist Development Council (TDC). Kaleta is one of four applicants…
January 21, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Letter prompts noise ordinance discussion

Letter prompts noise ordinance discussion

HOLMES BEACH – Written by Holmes Beach residents Dick and Margie Motzer, a letter to the editor that recently appeared in The Sun resulted in an impromptu Holmes Beach Planning Commission discussion…
January 21, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Planning commission will not review site plans

Planning commission will not review site plans

HOLMES BEACH – At the advice of City Attorney Erica Augello, city commissioners plan to deny the plan­ning commission’s request to conduct preliminary reviews of major site plan applications. Auge…
January 21, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Holmes Beach officials critique consolidation study

Holmes Beach officials critique consolidation study

HOLMES BEACH – The mayor and city commissioners had plenty to say about the recently released OPPAGA consolida­tion study and former Manatee County Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge. The 25-page…
January 20, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
The Rock N’ The Sand proceeds will be donated to The Center’s Rock N’ Support program.

Rock N’ The Sand fundraiser will assist Island workers

ELLENTON – Several Anna Maria Island bands and musicians will participate in the Rock N’ The Sand music festival and hurricane relief fundraiser at Whiskey Joe’s in Ellenton on Saturday, Jan. 25 from…
January 18, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Island Players romp through “Birthday Suite”

Island Players romp through ‘Birthday Suite’

ANNA MARIA – Community theater lovers have until Sunday, Jan. 26 to enjoy The Island Players’ comical performance of “Birthday Suite.” Island Players veteran Heiko Knipfelberg directs the slapstic…
January 17, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Ross Built builds generational home on Jewfish Key

Ross Built builds generational home on Jewfish Key

LONGBOAT KEY – Ross Built Custom Homes recently completed the construction of a new waterfront home on Jewfish Key. The Bradenton-based construction company is owned and operated by husband and wi…
January 15, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Farrington sworn in as elections supervisor

Farrington sworn in as elections supervisor

MANATEE COUNTY – Scott Farrington has been sworn in as Manatee County’s new supervisor of elections. On Jan. 7, Clerk of the Court Angelina Colonneso swore Farrington in with his wife, Amy, and hi…
January 14, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Federal, state funds can help elevate ground-level homes

Federal, state funds can help elevate ground-level homes

ANNA MARIA – Federal and state funds may be available to help Anna Maria homeowners elevate their ground-level homes. During the Anna Maria City Com­mission’s Jan. 9 meeting, the city’s contracted…
January 14, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Lynch appointed to Anna Maria Commission

Lynch appointed to Anna Maria Commission

ANNA MARIA – John Lynch is Anna Maria’s new city commissioner. On Jan. 9, the four sitting com­missioners unanimously appointed Lynch to serve the remainder of former commissioner Jon Crane’s term…
January 12, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Island mayors receive OPPAGA consolidation report

Island mayors receive OPPAGA consolidation report

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The consolidation of the three Anna Maria Island cities appears unlikely according to a consolidation study-related letter sent to the three Island mayors last week from State Rep…
January 8, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Center proposes weekly farmers market

Center proposes weekly farmers market

ANNA MARIA – Pending city commission approval, the hurricane-displaced, city-hosted farmers market at City Pier Park will be temporarily replaced by an expanded farmers market at The Center of Anna M…