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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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August 16, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
Slicker and Rotary Club sell out Ukraine fundraiser

Slicker, Rotary Club sell out Ukraine fundraiser

CORTEZ – It was another big success for the effort to raise money for the people of Ukraine as Bob Slicker, owner of Slicker’s Eatery, sold out his latest fundraising event while also celebrating his…
August 1, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
Swimming prohibited at several beaches

Swimming prohibited at several beaches

UPDATED Aug. 1, 2022 – ANNA MARIA ISLAND – No-swim advisories remain in effect today for north Manatee Beach in Holmes Beach, north Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach, north Bayfront Park in Anna Maria…
July 25, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
Children’s Drama Camp performs

Curtains close on children’s drama camp

ANNA MARIA – After two weeks of fun, the curtains have closed on The Center of Anna Maria Island’s drama camp. Every year the camp ends with two performances on the stage at the Island Players theat…
July 18, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
Robinson Preserve honored by Tripadvisor

Robinson Preserve honored by Tripadvisor

BRADENTON – Manatee County’s Robinson Preserve has been named a “2022 Travelers’ Choice” destination by Tripadvisor. The 682-acre coastal wetland habitat is in the top 10% of attractions worldwide…
July 18, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
Slicker, Rotary of AMI continue fundraising efforts for Ukraine

Slicker, Rotary of AMI continue fundraising efforts for Ukraine

CORTEZ – A partnership between Slicker’s Eatery owner Bob Slicker and the Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island to raise money to buy supplies for the people of Ukraine will continue into the foreseeable…
July 18, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
Sea turtle nests are hatching

Sea turtle nests are hatching

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Plenty of little flipper tracks are on the beach and lots more are on the way as the first loggerhead sea turtle nests of the season begin to hatch. At least 21 nests have hatche…
July 11, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation partners with AME

Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation partners with AME

HOLMES BEACH – Anna Maria Elementary School (AME) will soon be home to the first Guy Harvey Academy of Arts and Sciences in the country. The Academy, named for world-renowned wildlife artist, cons…
July 11, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
IGW Featured Artist brings out the color in nature

IGW Featured Artist brings out the color in nature

HOLMES BEACH – Each month the front window display at Island Gallery West focuses on the work of their featured artist, and July showcases the colorful pastel work of Terri Westbrook. A painter wh…
July 11, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
Multiple vehicle break-ins at Coquina and Cortez beaches

Multiple vehicle break-ins at Coquina, Cortez beaches

BRADENTON BEACH – It’s easy to get distracted by the beauty of the beaches and surrounding areas when visiting Anna Maria Island, but four vehicle break-ins on July 30 are a reminder that even paradi…
July 4, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
July Fourth weekend crowds return to Anna Maria Island

July Fourth weekend crowds return to Anna Maria Island

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The Island was packed and traffic stretched for more than a mile to get onto the Island most of the weekend as everyone from international visitors to local Floridians flocked to…
July 4, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
New owners take over Monkey Bus

Monkey Bus sold; new owners to focus on safety

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Sally Dirbas and her son, Mitchell Gross, a Monkey Bus driver for more than a year, have acquired the Monkey Bus from Island Beach Monkeys LLC, operated by Roque Pastorius. Dir…
July 4, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
TDC funds park facilities maintenance

County sets new standard in beach cleanliness

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Manatee County Parks Operations Manager Carmine DeMilio thanked the Manatee County Tourist Development Council (TDC) at its June 23 meeting for funding to keep beaches and waterwa…
July 4, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
Campaign for Ukraine continues

Campaign for Ukraine continues

The Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island and Bob Slicker, owner of Slicker’s Eatery in Cortez, continue to raise funds for Ukraine. The Concert for Peace on June 12 raised over $50,000; Rotary Club of…
July 4, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
AMI Historical Society seeks funding from TDC

AMI Historical Society seeks funding from TDC

ANNA MARIA – The Anna Maria Island Historical Society is seeking tourism funds for improvements to its building and has asked the Manatee County Tourist Development Council (TDC) for its support. Mu…
June 28, 2022
By Jason Schaffer

Spring tourism surges on AMI

ANNA MARIA – Spring tourism was strong on Anna Maria Island, according to Anne Wittine, Director of Quantitative Research for Tampa-based Research Data Services. The Manatee County tourism consult…