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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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September 8, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Anna Maria hosts parking study meeting

Mayor Mark Short spent more than two hours speaking to approximately 150 people during the city’s town hall-style parking study meeting. 
September 8, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

New setup time in effect for Anna Maria beach cabana rentals

ANNA MARIA – One key component of the city of Anna Maria’s recently revised cabana rental regulations was in effect for the Labor Day holiday weekend. The recent regulatory revisions adopted by th…
September 8, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

78th Street beach access trial to begin soon

A lawsuit that alleges the blockage of a shared footpath that provides access to the Gulf is scheduled for trial in September.
September 8, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Anna Maria budget adopted on first reading

ANNA MARIA – The city of Anna Maria’s 2026-27 fiscal year budget has been adopted on first reading and will soon be finalized on second and final reading. On Saturday, Sept. 5, the city commission…
September 1, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Commercial activity increasing at Kingfish Boat Ramp

Holmes Beach officials are growing concerned about the commercial activity at the Kingfish Boat Ramp.
September 1, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Gulf Islands Ferry service now includes Coquina Beach

Manatee County’s Gulf Islands Ferry operation is being expanded to include a stop at the Coquina Bayside South Boat Ramp in Bradenton Beach, across the street from Coquina Beach.
September 1, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Holmes Beach mayor discusses potential paid parking

Mayor Judy Titsworth recently shared her thoughts on the possibility of paid parking in Holmes Beach
September 1, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

City clerk appointed city administrator

City Clerk Amber LaRowe will also serve as Anna Maria’s first city administrator when the new 2026-27 fiscal year begins on Oct. 1.
September 1, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Former city treasurer’s lawsuit scheduled for mediation

Now in federal court, the lawsuit former City Treasurer LeAnne Endres filed against the city of Anna Maria is headed for mediation in January.
August 25, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Anna Maria’s proposed paid parking raises many questions 

The proposed parking program will be discussed at The Center on Monday, Aug. 31 at 4 p.m.
August 25, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

City seeks TDC, county support for tide valve project 

 HOLMES BEACH – The city of Holmes Beach seeks $344,500 of the county’s tourist development tax (TDT) revenues to install 92 tide valves throughout the city over a five-year period.  The…
August 25, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

April, May, June tourism remained strong

Tourism in the greater Bradenton/Anna Maria Island area remained strong during April, May and June.
August 18, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Anna Maria revising beach cabana rental regulations

Anna Maria’s previously enacted beach cabana rental regulations are undergoing significant revisions.
August 18, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Island voters help decide county, state and federal primary races

MANATEE COUNTY – Anna Maria Island and Cortez voters helped decide the Republican primary winner in the countywide County Commission District 6 At-Large primary race won by Tara Poulton. Island…
August 18, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Anna Maria parking study recommends permit and paid parking

ANNA MARIA – The mayor and city commissioners are considering implementing a citywide parking plan in March that could potentially include 1,119 paid parking spaces located throughout the city. The s…