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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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February 3, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Darcie Duncan awarded Super Bowl tickets

Darcie Duncan awarded Super Bowl tickets

ANNA MARIA – Duncan Real Estate owner Darcie Duncan’s hard work and good deeds have earned her two tickets to the Super Bowl. Featuring the Kansas City Chiefs and the Phila­delphia Eagles, Super Bow…
January 29, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
AMI Chamber awards trolley grants, businesses of the year

AMI Chamber awards trolley grants, businesses of the year

HOLMES BEACH – The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce awarded trolley grants to 18 local organiza­tions and announced three business of the year award winners during a ceremony at the Key Royale G…
January 29, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Diggins, DeRusso join Tourist Development Council

Diggins, DeRusso join Tourist Development Council

MANATEE COUNTY – Anna Maria Island once again has an elected city official serving on the Manatee County Tourist Development Council (TDC). The last elected Island official to sit on the TDC was for…
January 27, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Community volunteers ‘Build Back the Beach’

Community volunteers ‘Build Back the Beach’

ANNA MARIA – More than 300 Build Back the Beach volunteers planted nearly 30,000 native plants along the hurricane-ravaged Anna Maria shoreline between Bean Point and Sycamore Avenue last weekend. L…
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…