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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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November 8, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
Island Players score another hit

Island Players score another hit

ANNA MARIA – For many, the name Neil Simon brings to mind “The Odd Couple” or “Barefoot in the Park,” which are all about the big laughs. Simon’s “I Ought to be in Pictures” – the latest production b…
November 8, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
AMI Rotary’s youth program a ‘swimming’ success

AMI Rotary’s youth program a ‘swimming’ success

BRADENTON – While enjoying a swim in the water surrounding Anna Maria Island or taking a swim in a warm pool is the norm for most people living on the Island, many would be surprised to hear there ar…
November 1, 2022
By Jason Schaffer

Having a boo-tiful Halloween on AMI

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – It was a hauntingly good time this Halloween as hundreds of little ghouls, goblins, witches, princesses and even a few superheroes descended upon the Island for the annual Trail o…
October 31, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
Island Players take on Neil Simon

Island Players take on Neil Simon

ANNA MARIA – The Island Players 2022- 23 season kicked off Sept. 15 with a solid production of James Yaffe’s “Cliffhanger,” and they look to keep the momentum going with the next play. Nei…
October 31, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
Bomb threat causes evacuation at Holmes beach resort

Bomb threat causes evacuation at Holmes beach resort

HOLMES BEACH – Police aren’t sure whether Bobby Entrekin is a disgruntled former guest, employee or even the name of a real person, but a man going by this name called in a bomb threat Saturd…
October 25, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
Artists’ Guild features art by cancer survivors

Artists’ Guild features art by cancer survivors

The Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island is recognizing National Breast Cancer Awareness Month by spotlighting the work of member artists who have fought cancer. All the artworks in the O…
October 25, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
IGW featured artist ‘walking on clouds’

IGW featured artist ‘walking on clouds’

HOLMES BEACH – Each month, Island Gallery West displays the work of a featured artist prominently in the front window of the gallery, and October offers striking acrylic paintings by Charlott…
October 25, 2022
By Jason Schaffer

Former Holmes Beach commissioner arrested for domestic battery

HOLMES BEACH – A call to police resulted in the arrest of a former Holmes Beach city commissioner after an altercation at his home. The incident happened on Oct. 13 when Mauri Zaccagnino c…
October 25, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
DOH warns against feeding wild animals

DOH warns against feeding wild animals

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Being a small island, AMI’s wildlife and human inhabitants often cross paths, but due to people feeding animals, they are getting to be a little too comfortable with their…
October 25, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
Police searching for driver after 100 mph beach pursuit

Police searching for driver after 100 mph beach pursuit

BRADENTON BEACH – Despite multiple police departments, a helicopter and a K9 unit, a suspect remains at large after a high-speed pursuit on Oct. 15 ended with an SUV crashing into the Gulf of…
October 25, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
Hurricane Ian brings surge of tourism

Hurricane Ian brings surge of tourism

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Hurricane Ian may not have flooded the Island with water, but there has been a different kind of surge since the storm’s passing – tourism. Island residents are accusto…
October 18, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
New Guild artist brings the color

New Guild artist brings the color

HOLMES BEACH – There’s a new displaying artist at the Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island and she’s all about color. Mixed-media artist Wendy Butcher grew up in upstate New York before spending sev…
October 18, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
Bayfest delivers the party by the pier

Bayfest delivers the party by the pier

ANNA MARIA – In its second year since returning after a hiatus due to COVID-19, the 21st Bayfest celebration last Saturday offered something for the entire family. A substantial portion of…
October 10, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
AME celebrates Peace Day

AME celebrates Peace Day

HOLMES BEACH – Each year, the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on Sept. 21, and each year, students at Anna Maria Elementary School (AME) hold a celebration of peace at the sch…
October 10, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
Anna Maria Island gets its name back

Anna Maria Island gets its name back

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The new sign is up, and visitors can once again rest assured that they are headed to the island they intended to visit. A sign telling motorists they were 5 miles from “Anna Ma…