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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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April 14, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Officials address Key Royale Drive parking, speeding

Officials address Key Royale Drive parking, speeding

HOLMES BEACH – Homeowners and city officials believe they have found a solution to the Key Royale Drive parking issues that will not require the clearing of city-owned right of ways or the relocation…
April 14, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
City officials discuss Gloria Dei purchase

City officials discuss buying Gloria Dei property

HOLMES BEACH – Mayor Judy Titsworth and city staff members toured the vacant Gloria Dei Lutheran Church building on April 8 as part of the city’s ongoing efforts the buy the church building and prope…
April 14, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Kiwanis Club hosting Easter Sunrise Service

Kiwanis Club hosting Easter Sunrise Service

HOLMES BEACH – The Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island will celebrate its 60th annual Easter Sunrise Service on Sunday, April 20. The 6:30 a.m. service will be held at Manatee Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive…
April 14, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
AMI Chamber awards academic scholarships

AMI Chamber awards academic scholarships

HOLMES BEACH – The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce recently presented $1,000 scholarships to three outstanding Manatee County students: Gracie Jean-Charles, Torianne Hurst and Callaway Johnson…
April 8, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Treasured architectural designer passes away

Treasured architectural designer passes away

BRADENTON BEACH – Emily Anne Smith, the architectural designer who helped transform Bridge Street into what it is today, has passed away. According to close friend and longtime office administrator…
April 8, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Above-average hurricane season predicted

Above-average hurricane season predicted

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – As residents continue to recover from 2024 Hurricanes Helene and Milton, Colorado State University (CSU) hurricane researchers are predicting an above-average 2025 Atlantic hurric…
April 7, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Drift-In reopening brings joy to many

Drift-In reopening brings joy to many

BRADENTON BEACH – The Drift-In bar is open again after a prolonged, post-hurricane permitting dispute with the city. The historic Bridge Street bar once owned by baseball legend Babe Ruth reopened o…
April 7, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Planning board supports Drift-In’s major development plan

Planning board supports Drift-In’s major development plan

BRADENTON BEACH – The Drift-In’s hurricane recovery-related major development plan now has the support of the city’s Planning and Zoning Board members. On April 2, board members Fred Bartizal, Bill…
April 7, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Holmes Beach ferry stops explored

Holmes Beach ferry stops explored

HOLMES BEACH – City and county officials hoped to use businessman Jake Spooner’s boat slip in the Wa­terline resort marina as a Gulf Islands Ferry stop, but the current county-owned pontoon boats are…
April 1, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Man arrested after driving Jeep into water

Man arrested after driving Jeep into water

HOLMES BEACH – Sarasota resident James Mikluscak was arrested on multiple charges after allegedly driving another man’s Jeep into the water near the Anna Maria Island Bridge on Manatee Avenue. Accor…
March 31, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Mayor addresses City Pier inspection costs

Mayor addresses City Pier inspection costs

ANNA MARIA – The Anna Maria City Pier hurricane damage inspection and report provided by Kisinger Campo & Associates cost the city $25,738. During the city commission’s March 27 meeting, Mayor M…
March 31, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Hurricane recovery reaches six-month mark

Hurricane recovery reaches six-month mark

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Six months ago this week, the Island was emerging from Hurricane Helene’s flooding a week earlier, and was a week away from being hit by Hurricane Milton. Helene’s storm surge on…
March 31, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
City leaders oppose property tax elimination

City leaders oppose property tax elimination

HOLMES BEACH – City officials are already paying attention to the possible elimination of property taxes proposed but not yet defined by Gov. Ron DeSantis and state legislators. Holmes Beach City Co…
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…