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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 19, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
Players’ season opener a cliffhanger

Players’ season opener a cliffhanger

ANNA MARIA – Philosophical boundaries are a constant struggle for a philosophy professor who thinks he knows the obvious difference between right and wrong in Cliffhanger, the Island Players’ season…
September 13, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
Who’s Anna Marie?

Who’s Anna Marie?

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – It’s been 100 years since the first bridge linking Anna Maria Island to the mainland was opened to the public. During that time, the Island has gone through a lot of changes, but…
September 13, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
New COVID-19 vaccine available on the Island

New COVID-19 vaccine available on the Island

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The new COVID-19 booster vaccines aimed at fighting the omicron subvariants hit local pharmacies late last week after final approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)…
September 12, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
Island Players ready for 74th season

Island Players ready for 74th season

ANNA MARIA – The Island Players are getting in their last few rehearsals before they begin their 2022-23 season on Thursday, Sept. 15 with their production of James Yaffe’s Cliffhanger, which will ru…
September 5, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
Officers remind drivers of LSV safety rules

Officers remind drivers of LSV safety rules

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – As more visitors come to Anna Maria Island, many are realizing that renting a golf cart-style low-speed vehicle can be a fun and effective way to get around. For residents and vis…
September 5, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
Avoid being a mosquito’s meal

Avoid being a mosquito’s meal

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Although Labor Day weekend marked the unofficial end of summer, the rainy season lasts well into October, bringing with it the opportunity to be a snack for the Island’s largest p…
September 5, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
Summer’s unofficial end comes quietly

Summer’s unofficial end comes quietly

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The official number of visitors to the Island won’t be available for a few days, but this Labor Day weekend appeared to be a more subdued event than last year, when the post-COVID…
August 29, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
Sea turtles rescued on Bridge Street

Sea turtles rescued on Bridge Street

BRADENTON BEACH – Sea turtle nesting season is in full swing on the Island, and while some locals and visitors have been lucky enough to get a glimpse of newly-hatched babies heading from their nest…
August 29, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
Family fun happens on Bridge Street

Family fun happens on Bridge Street

BRADENTON BEACH – Art, crafts, food and live music are just some of the things that make the free Thursdays in Paradise a great event for anyone visiting historic Bridge Street on a Thursday evening…
August 29, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
Bradenton Beach officer involved in crash

Bradenton Beach officer involved in crash

BRADENTON BEACH – While on his way to work on Aug. 22, Bradenton Beach Police Officer Steven Masi was sitting in traffic in Palmetto when a car cut across the road in front of him, smashing into the…
August 29, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
DOH-Manatee recognized for emergency preparedness

DOH-Manatee recognized for emergency preparedness

BRADENTON – The Florida Department of Health – Manatee County (DOH-Manatee) is being recognized by the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) for its staff’s ability to pla…
August 25, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
AMI officials seek change in tourist tax spending

AMI officials seek change in tourist tax spending

ANNA MARIA – Manatee County tourist taxes are required to be used primarily to promote tourism and tourism-related projects, but some local officials, including Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie, wa…
August 22, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
SRQ works to meet demand

SRQ works to meet demand

ANNA MARIA – Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ), one of the primary arrival points for people visiting Anna Maria Island, continues working to improve the facility to boost air travel. S…
August 22, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
COVID-19 level remains high, new vaccine coming

COVID-19 level remains high, new vaccine coming

MANATEE COUNTY – For the tenth consecutive week, the COVID-19 Community Level remains high countywide. COVID-19 Community Levels help individuals and communities decide which prevention actions to t…
August 16, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
School in session; slow down

School in session; slow down

HOLMES BEACH – School is back in session at Anna Maria Elementary School, and officials warn drivers to stay alert and slow down, particularly in the school zone. Distracted driving is an area of…