Skip to main content
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
December 20, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
Privateers join Christmas on Bridge Street

Privateers, Christmas on Bridge Street deliver festive time

BRADENTON BEACH – Holiday merrymakers enjoyed shopping, dining, a movie and a party for a great cause as the Anna Maria Island Privateers and the city’s Christmas on Bridge Street events coin…
December 12, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
Bethlehem Walk has very happy ending

Bethlehem Walk has very happy ending

ANNA MARIA – There are plenty of inns on Anna Maria Island, but the “No Vacancy” signs were out for Mary and Joseph as they walked with their animals and several angels searching for shelter…
December 6, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
Peppermint permeates parade party

Peppermint permeates Bridge Street

BRADENTON BEACH – Onlookers called it the sweetest tear gas ever, as fourth-generation candymaker Peter Vrinios returned to the Fudge Factory on Bridge Street on Dec. 3 for one of this month’s demons…
December 6, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
Chamber Tree Lighting brightens Holmes Beach

Christmas tree lighting brightens Holmes Beach

HOLMES BEACH – At nearly 80 degrees, it may not have felt a lot like Christmas weather-wise, but the spirit of friendship, carols and Santa with his sleigh made the annual Anna Maria Island Chamber o…
December 6, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
Dr. Guy Harvey visits AME to dedicate Arts and Science Academy

Guy Harvey visits AME to dedicate academy

HOLMES BEACH – Prior to the start of the 2022-23 school year, Anna Maria Elementary School (AME) announced it would be home to the world’s first Guy Harvey Academy of Arts and Science, and Dr. Harvey…
December 6, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
Lester Family Fun Day lives up to its name

Lester Family Fun Day lives up to its name

ANNA MARIA – Sunshine, warm weather, tasty food and plenty of attractions made the 20th Annual Lester Family Fun Day at The Center of Anna Maria Island the perfect event for families to get outside a…
December 6, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
Boat parade draws merrymakers to pier

Boat parade draws merrymakers to pier

BRADENTON BEACH – Sparkling lights attracted a holiday crowd to the Bradenton Beach Pier to watch the Fourth Annual Bradenton Beach Holiday Boat Parade on Saturday. Boat owners were invited to sho…
November 24, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
AME student’s art on patrol with HBPD officer

AME student’s art on patrol with HBPD officer

HOLMES BEACH – Anna Maria Elementary School fifth grader Charlee Maize has her artwork displayed in an unconventional place – in the window of Holmes Beach Police Officer Christine LaBranche’…
November 24, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
Help victims of Hurricane Ian

Help victims of Hurricane Ian

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Though the Island didn’t suffer major damage due to Hurricane Ian, some of its southern neighbors weren’t so lucky. While many want to help victims of the storm in Fort…
November 24, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
Holiday season arrives on Bridge Street

Holiday season arrives on Bridge Street

BRADENTON BEACH – The holidays are lighting up Bridge Street and getting revelers in the holiday spirit. The fun started with the annual holiday lights celebration, with palm trees, busine…
November 14, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
UFO sighting reported in Bradenton Beach

UFO sighting reported in Bradenton Beach

BRADENTON BEACH – Anna Maria Island is big on tourism, but are they coming from space? Probably not, but a Bradenton Beach police officer spotted a strange incident while on patrol at Coqu…
November 14, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
TDC recommends $950,000 for water taxi

TDC recommends $950,000 for water taxi

BRADENTON – The Manatee County Tourist Development Council (TDC) unanimously voted on Nov. 4 to recommend that Manatee County commissioners allocate up to $950,000 in resort tax revenue to…
November 14, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
Ian didn’t stop tourism, it’s boosting it

Ian didn’t stop tourism, it’s boosting it

BRADENTON – The latest tourism statistics shatter the numbers from pre-COVID 2019, according to Anne Wittine, of Tampa-based Research Data Services, Manatee County’s tourism consultant. Wi…
November 8, 2022
By Jason Schaffer

Bradenton Beach bust yields funny money, meth

BRADENTON BEACH – Police officers Eric Hill and Charles Marose got more than they bargained for when they responded to a burglary call on Nov. 5. At 4:30 p.m., the officers were dispatched to 1202 Gu…
November 8, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
Realistic watercolors portray Gulf coast

Realistic watercolors portray Gulf coast

HOLMES BEACH – Stepping into Island Gallery West is always a visual treat, with works from 30 member artists that offer something for everyone. Every genre, medium and subject matter evokes a visual…