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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
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February 28, 2023
By Jason Schaffer
Security guard reports battery at Bradenton Beach Marina

Security guard reports battery at Bradenton Beach Marina

BRADENTON BEACH – With millions of dollars worth of boats and equipment onsite, the owners of the Bradenton Beach Marina employ an after-hours security guard to prevent property theft, damage…
February 28, 2023
By Jason Schaffer
Pizzano’s packs a punch with pizza

Pizzano’s packs a punch with pizza

HOLMES BEACH – Nobody is quite sure if being two blocks from the beach makes pizza taste better, but the owners of Pizzano’s Pizza and Grinderz say it’s good for the soul if nothing else…
February 28, 2023
By Jason Schaffer
Island Gallery West moving off Island

Island Gallery West moving off Island

HOLMES BEACH – Island Gallery West (IGW) has been operating in the same location for 33 years, but on Friday, March 10, they will say goodbye to AMI and begin the move to downtown Bradenton…
February 20, 2023
By Jason Schaffer
AMI Historical Society seeks tourism funds

AMI Historical Society seeks tourism funds

ANNA MARIA – The Anna Maria Island Historical Society (AMIHS), 402 Pine Ave., draws more than 10,000 visitors a year to its volunteer-managed museum and is making plans to inform and entertain future…
February 20, 2023
By Jason Schaffer
Tourism up, record set

Tourism up, record set

BRADENTON – As the busy tourist season approaches full swing, Manatee County’s tourism consultant delighted tourism officials with a milestone set in 2022. “When we look at the entire calendar year…
February 20, 2023
By Jason Schaffer

Tourist tax collections 2022

2022 tourist tax collections compared to 2021 January Anna Maria ↓ 6% Bradenton Beach ↑ 37% Holmes Beach ↑ 40% Manatee County ↑ 34% February Anna Maria ↓ 18% Bradenton Beach ↑ 23%…
February 16, 2023
By Jason Schaffer
Art Walk showcases local talent

Art Walk showcases local talent

HOLMES BEACH – The Feb. 10 Art Walk brought locals and visitors to two art galleries to see the best of Island art. Participating businesses around the Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island and Isla…
February 16, 2023
By Jason Schaffer
Bradenton Beach Police get powerful new training tool

Bradenton Beach Police get powerful new training tool

BRADENTON BEACH – Police officers face the unknown every day they put on their uniforms. In 2022, nine police officers were killed in the line of duty in Florida, and while that number may not see…
February 16, 2023
By Jason Schaffer
Annie Silver elects 2023 officers

Annie Silver elects 2023 officers

BRADENTON BEACH – For decades, the Annie Silver Community Center has served the community, providing a meeting place for Island organizations such as the Anna Maria Island Privateers, condo associati…
January 31, 2023
By Jason Schaffer
Fifteen non-profits receive trolley grant awards

Fifteen non-profits receive trolley grant awards

CORTEZ – The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Business Card Exchanges are always a great opportunity for local business owners to network and get to know each other. The Jan. 26 event at the Sea…
January 23, 2023
By Jason Schaffer
Lock the car

Lock the car

BRADENTON BEACH – For the most part, Anna Maria Island is a pretty safe place to visit, according to local police statistics. Violent crimes are low, and most serious crimes involving bodi…
January 19, 2023
By Jason Schaffer

Island Players bring the laughs

ANNA MARIA – A New York apartment is the setting for a familiar, albeit slightly skewed view of some of Neil Simon’s most beloved characters to bring the laughs. In the late 1960s, Simon intr…
January 17, 2023
By Jason Schaffer
34216 zip code named second most expensive in Florida

34216 zip code named second most expensive in Florida

ANNA MARIA – The city at the north end of Anna Maria Island is known for its white sand beaches, high-quality dining and shopping, cultural events and charming homes, but a Jan. 13 article in…
January 4, 2023
By Jason Schaffer
Plunging into a new year

Plunging into a new year

BRADENTON BEACH – Hundreds of people, many in creative costumes, gathered on the sand for the 15th year of the Shamrock Shiver Charity Plunge. Although the weather was in the high 70s and the sun was…
December 28, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
Iconic Christmas tree turns 20

Iconic Christmas tree turns 20

HOLMES BEACH – Many businesses put up beautiful Christmas trees to celebrate the season, but one special tree is celebrating 20 years of making a personal connection with customers from around the wo…