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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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December 23, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Renegades bring Christmas joy to three families

Renegades bring Christmas joy to three families

BRADENTON BEACH – The Bradenton chapter of the Renegades motorcycle club delivered a truckload of Christmas gifts to the Drift In bar on Dec. 19. The Renegades brought Christmas joy to three local f…
December 23, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Dog owners, city officials to meet next month

Dog owners, city officials to meet next month

HOLMES BEACH – Frequent dog park users Renee Ferguson, Nicky Hunt and Tom Evans shared their park-related concerns and desires with the mayor and city commission­ers on Dec. 16. They did so during t…
December 22, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
December 17, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Moose Lodge hosts kids’ Christmas party

Moose Lodge hosts kids’ Christmas party

BRADENTON BEACH – Anna Maria Island Moose Lodge #2188 hosted its annual children’s Christmas party on Dec. 13. More than 80 children were signed up in advance for the holiday event that started with…
December 17, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Blue Öyster Cult brings musical magic to The Center

Blue Öyster Cult brings musical magic to The Center

ANNA MARIA – Blue Öyster Cult put on a stellar and well-received outdoor concert at The Center of Anna Maria on Dec. 10. More than 50 years after they formed in Long Island, New York, the five-piece…
December 17, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Pine Avenue shines during Holiday Walk of Treasures

Pine Avenue shines during Holiday of Treasures Open House

ANNA MARIA – Pine Avenue was awash in holiday spirit during the Dec. 12 Holiday of Treasures Open House hosted by the Anna Maria business community, the city of Anna Maria and the Anna Maria Island H…
December 17, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Island business community loses beloved ambassador

Island business community loses beloved ambassador

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The Island business community lost a great friend and ambassador with the recent passing of Susanne Arbanas. According to close friends, she was discovered deceased at her apartm…
December 16, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Anna Maria resident restores, donates Christmas bikes

Anna Maria resident restores, donates Christmas bikes

ANNA MARIA – Carl Augostini’s Christmas tradition is repairing and restoring donated bicycles to give to underprivileged youngsters. Augostini, a retired electrical engi­neer, spends many hours in t…
December 9, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
December 9, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Holmes Beach celebrates 75th anniversary

Holmes Beach celebrates 75th anniversary

HOLMES BEACH – The city marked its 75th anniversary with a large, well-attended outdoor celebra­tion at City Field on Dec. 5. The event was held on the recently resodded City Field grounds that one…
December 9, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Kids, adults have a ball at Lester Family Fun Day

Kids, adults have a ball at Lester Family Fun Day

ANNA MARIA – Lester Family Fun Day helped ring in the holiday season at The Center of Anna Maria Island while raising money for The Center. The Dec. 6 event featured inflatable bounce houses, slides…
December 9, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
AMI Chamber celebrates Christmas tree lighting

AMI Chamber celebrates Christmas tree lighting

HOLMES BEACH – The city’s Christmas tree was lit shortly after 6 p.m. on Saturday, and stands tall outside the Hancock Whitney Bank building at 5324 Gulf Drive. The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Comm…
December 9, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Sgt. Getman receives Deputy of the Year award

Sgt. Getman receives Deputy of the Year award

ANNA MARIA – Sgt. Brett Getman of the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Anna Maria Unit is the MCSO Deputy of the Year for 2025. Getman leads the Anna Maria Unit that provides the city’s contracted la…
December 9, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Blue Öyster Cult set to rock The Center

Blue Öyster Cult set to rock The Center

ANNA MARIA – Best known for their classic rock radio staples “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper,” “Godzilla” and “Burnin’ For You,” Blue Öyster Cult is bringing their classic rock excellence and intelligence t…
December 9, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Dog park users seek improvements

Dog park users seek improvements

HOLMES BEACH – Residents and dog park users shared their dog park concerns and desires during the Dec. 3 Parks and Beautifi­cation Committee meeting. The dog owners’ concerns include irrigation, gra…