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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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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…
January 8, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
City Field debris removal wrapping up

City Field debris removal wrapping up

HOLMES BEACH – The remaining hurricane-related vegetative yard debris stored at City Field is expected to be fully removed by Saturday, Jan. 11. On Dec. 27, City Commissioner Carol Whitmore emailed…
January 8, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
BlueWave Restorations mourns loss of Jason Edwards

BlueWave Restorations mourns loss of Jason Edwards

HOLMES BEACH – On New Year’s Eve, BlueWave Restorations co-owner Jason Edwards, 51, was fatally electrocuted in Anna Maria while assisting a friend. After Edward’s passing, the Holmes Beach-based…
January 8, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Seymour withdraws city commission application

Seymour withdraws city commission application

ANNA MARIA – Former city commissioner and mayoral candidate Brian Seymour has withdrawn his application seeking appointment to the Anna Maria City Commission. Seymour’s withdrawal leaves John Lynch…
January 8, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
City issues substantial damage assessment letters

City issues substantial damage assessment letters

ANNA MARIA – The city recently sent substantial damage assessment letters to Anna Maria property owners whose structures appear to have sustained hurricane damage. City Planner Ashley Austin signed…
January 1, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Chris Culhane, The Center named Sun's Persons of the Year

Culhane, The Center named Sun Persons of the Year

ANNA MARIA – Executive Director Chris Culhane and the staff, board of directors and volunteers at The Center of Anna Maria Island are The Sun’s Persons of the Year for 2024. The Center staff inclu…
December 31, 2024
By Joe Hendricks
AMI Moose Lodge recovery plans taking shape

AMI Moose Lodge recovery plans taking shape

BRADENTON BEACH – Anna Maria Island Moose Lodge #2188 sustained heavy damage during hurricanes Helene and Milton, but lodge administrator Byron Dalton and the lodge officers hope to reopen the social…
December 30, 2024
By Joe Hendricks
Anna Maria: Year in Review

Anna Maria: Year in Review

DEBRIS REMOVAL Mayor Dan Murphy, City Com­mission Chair Mark Short, General Manager Dean Jones and City Clerk LeAnne all played vital roles in the city of Anna Maria’s privately-contracted hurricane…
December 30, 2024
By Joe Hendricks
“Birthday Suite” up next for Island Players

“Birthday Suite” up next for Island Players

ANNA MARIA – The Island Players’ 76th season will soon resume with the performance of British playwright Robin Hawdon’s “Birthday Suite.” Directed by Island Players veteran Heiko Knipfelberg, “Bir…
December 23, 2024
By Joe Hendricks
Special event permitting process amended

Special event permitting process amended

ANNA MARIA – The city has again amended its special event permitting require­ments. When doing so on Dec. 12, the mayor and city commission al­lowed two previously permitted events to proceed at a…
December 23, 2024
By Joe Hendricks
Planning board members must be city residents

Planning board members must be city residents

ANNA MARIA – The three sitting members of the Anna Maria Planning and Zoning Board (P&Z) have rejected the idea of allowing non-residents to serve on the city advisory board. With the recent d…
December 23, 2024
By Joe Hendricks
Ordinance prohibits sleeping in public places

Ordinance prohibits sleeping in public places

ANNA MARIA – The city has a new ordinance in place that prohibits sleeping and camping in public places. Adopted by the city commission on Dec. 12, Ordinance 24-937 brings the city into compliance…