Anna Maria Island Sun Announces New Ownership, New Editor and Website Launch
The Anna Maria Island Sun is entering a new era, marked by a change in ownership, the appointment of a new editor, and the launch of a newly redesigned website aimed at strengthening the paper’s digital presence and community connection.
A longtime fixture in the Anna Maria Island community, The Sun has served residents, visitors, and local businesses for decades with coverage focused on island life, local government, environmental issues, and community events. The recent transition reflects a renewed commitment to preserving that mission while modernizing how news and information are delivered.
The new ownership group has emphasized continuity, noting that while leadership has changed, the publication’s dedication to local journalism remains unchanged. Their goal, they say, is to ensure The Sun continues to be a trusted voice for the island while adapting to the evolving media landscape.
Along with new ownership that includes Bob Alexander and John Reitz the paper has welcomed a new editor tasked with guiding editorial direction and strengthening coverage of issues important to Anna Maria Island residents. Joe Hendricks, a long-time reporter for the Sun and well known to the AMI community is the new editor for the paper. The editorial focus will continue to prioritize accuracy, transparency, and community engagement, while expanding digital storytelling and accessibility.
One of the most visible changes is the debut of a completely redesigned website, www.amisun.com, developed by Sande Caplin & Associates, a Florida-based marketing and web development firm with deep roots in the region. The new site features a cleaner layout, improved navigation, faster load times, and enhanced mobile compatibility, making it easier for readers to access breaking news, opinion pieces, and community announcements from any device.
The updated website also provides improved tools for advertisers and community partners, offering better visibility for local businesses and organizations that rely on The Sun to reach island audiences. Enhanced photo displays, clearer article organization, and streamlined menus were designed to improve the overall reader experience.
According to representatives involved in the transition, the changes are intended to position The Anna Maria Island Sun for long-term sustainability while respecting the publication’s history and role in the community.
As the paper moves forward, readers can expect continued coverage of the issues that matter most to Anna Maria Island—delivered through a modern platform designed to serve today’s audiences while honoring a legacy built on local trust.
Graphic from AMI Sun