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Jason Schaffer

Jason Schaffer

March 29, 2021
Sun correspondent Jason Schaffer covers tourism, the arts, Anna Maria Elementary School, law enforcement, and the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce. Email
Email Jason Schaffer
September 23, 2024
By Jason Schaffer
Island Players kick off 76th season with Crimes of the Heart

Island Players kick off 76th season with ‘Crimes of the Heart’

ANNA MARIA – Manatee County’s oldest community theater, the Island Players, kicked off its 76th season on Sept. 19 with a production of Beth Henley’s award-winning “Crimes of the Heart,” which runs t…
September 23, 2024
By Jason Schaffer
Sundown Get Down celebrates back to school

Sundown Get Down celebrates back to school

BRADENTON BEACH – It was a beautiful day for a Back to School Bash on Bridge Street as the Bradenton Beach Merchants Association held its third Sundown Get Down street party on Sept. 19. The event…
September 17, 2024
By Jason Schaffer
Island Players kick off 76th season

Island Players kick off 76th season

ANNA MARIA – The Island Players, Manatee County’s oldest community theater, will launch its 76th season on Thursday, Sept. 19 with Beth Henley’s Crimes of the Heart, directed by Players’ veteran dire…
August 5, 2024
By Jason Schaffer
Tourist tax increase will be on November ballot

Tourist tax increase will be on November ballot

BRADENTON – The Manatee County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) voted 4-1 at a July 30 meeting to place a referendum on the Nov. 5 general election ballot to raise the tourist development tax to…
August 5, 2024
By Jason Schaffer
AME, new principal preparing for first day of school

AME, new principal preparing for first day of school

HOLMES BEACH – As children stock up on supplies and pick out their perfect outfits for the first day of school, Anna Maria Elementary School staff, including the new incoming principal, Katie Fradley…
August 5, 2024
By Jason Schaffer
Lock cars, secure guns

Lock cars, secure guns

MANATEE COUNTY – There’s a new problem in Manatee County, and it has nothing to do with oppressive heat or storm threats. According to government officials from all three Island cities, as well as co…
July 1, 2024
By Jason Schaffer
AMI prepares for another crowded, extended holiday

AMI prepares for another crowded, extended holiday

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – As Americans wish the United States a happy 248th birthday, many people will choose to celebrate on the Island, hitting the beaches, shops, restaurants and bars with enthusiastic…
June 25, 2024
By Jason Schaffer
Privateers award annual scholarships

Privateers award annual scholarships

BRADENTON – The Anna Maria Island Privateers awarded 14 scholarships at LECOM Park before the June 21 Bradenton Marauders baseball game against the Lakeland Flying Tigers. The Privateers, a 501(c)(3…
June 19, 2024
By Jason Schaffer
Tourist tax increase one step closer to ballot

Tourist tax increase one step closer to ballot

ANNA MARIA – The Manatee County Tourist Development Council (TDC) again discussed raising the tourist tax at its June 10 meeting at The Center of Anna Maria Island. A revised Manatee County ordinanc…
June 19, 2024
By Jason Schaffer
Data shows tourism drop after spring break

Data shows tourism drop after spring break

ANNA MARIA – Tampa-based Research Data Services (RDS) consultant Ann Wittine presented her state of tourism update to the Manatee County Tourist Development Council (TDC) on June 10, pointing out the…
June 19, 2024
By Jason Schaffer
TDC supports Holmes Beach path funding

TDC supports Holmes Beach path funding

Superintendent of Public Works Sage Kamiya was back in front of the Manatee County Tourist Development Council (TDC) at its June 10 meeting. He was there to answer questions and concerns previously b…
June 19, 2024
By Jason Schaffer
TDC recommends $75,000 for ferry marketing

TDC recommends $75,000 for ferry marketing

ANNA MARIA – During the Manatee County Tourist Development Council’s (TDC) June 10 meeting at The Center of Anna Maria Island, TDC members supported more marketing efforts for the Gulf Island Ferry…
June 10, 2024
By Jason Schaffer
West Manatee Fire Rescue first responders tend to a 10-year-old West Virginia girl who was struck by a car in the 1300 block of Gulf Drive North in Bradenton Beach. – MARK PLATT | SUBMITTED

10-year-old struck by car in Bradenton Beach

BRADENTON BEACH – A 10-year-old West Virginia girl was fortunate to only have some scratches and bruises after being struck by a car crossing Gulf Drive North in the 1300 block on June 7 around 5:30…
June 7, 2024
By Jason Schaffer

Suspect charged in Sunny Shores shooting

CORTEZ – A suspect is in custody charged with three counts of aggravated assault with a firearm and one count of battery after a shooting at the Sunny Shores Mobile Home Park the night of June 6…
June 1, 2024
By Jason Schaffer

Multiple agencies predict above-average 2024 hurricane season

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has released its 2024 Atlantic hurricane season forecast, and although Anna Maria Island dodged direct hits from two maj…

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