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
June 28, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
Celebrate Independence Day safely

Celebrate Independence Day safely

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – For many, no proper Fourth of July celebration is complete without setting off fireworks. However, private displays of bombs bursting in air are illegal on the Island. Though f…
June 28, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
Water ban reversed for July Fourth parade

Water ban reversed for July Fourth parade

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – After issuing a statement earlier this month about prohibiting the use of water during their annual July Fourth parade, The Anna Maria Island Privateers have reached a truce with…
June 21, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
Sea turtle tagged at Coquina Beach

Sea turtle tagged at Coquina Beach

A crowd gathered on south Coquina Beach Monday morning to cheer on Esther the loggerhead sea turtle as she made her way back to the Gulf of Mexico after being tagged with a satellite transmitter by v…
June 21, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
Owl presentation a ‘hoot’ at Island Branch Library

Owl presentation a ‘hoot’ at Island Branch Library

HOLMES BEACH – Children and parents alike had an educational and entertaining morning with live owls as Wildlife Inc.’s David Sadkin brought three of his owl friends for a presentation to the Island…
June 13, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
Reported gas leak evacuates Bridge Street

Reported gas leak evacuates Bridge Street

BRADENTON BEACH – A busy night on Bridge Street came to an abrupt halt due to what was believed to be a natural gas leak. As people wandered among bars, shops and restaurants on June 7, customers at…
June 13, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
Campaign for Ukraine rocks the Center of AMI

Campaign for Ukraine rocks The Center

ANNA MARIA – It was rock and roll for a great cause at The Center of Anna Maria Island, as hundreds of people gathered to listen to live music and raise money for the people of Ukraine. The event…
June 12, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
COVID-19 on the rise in Manatee County

COVID-19 rising in Manatee County

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – While life has returned nearly to normal on the Island more than two years into the COVID-19 pandemic, people are still catching the virus with cases on the rise. The current c…
June 6, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
“Coastal Impressions” makes a splash at Island Gallery West

‘Coastal Impressions’ makes a splash at Island Gallery West

HOLMES BEACH – The front window at Island Gallery West is alive with color thanks to June’s Featured Artist, Sharon Lennox Woelfling, and her display titled “Coastal Impressions.” Woelfling has been…
June 5, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
Holmes Beach Hummer not just for show

Holmes Beach Hummer not just for show

HOLMES BEACH – The Holmes Beach Police Department has a new tool that can not only turn heads, but also save lives. On the Island, it’s not uncommon to see a Ferrari or Rolls Royce passing by in t…
June 5, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
Bridge Street arrest ties up police for hours

Bridge Street arrest ties up police for hours

BRADENTON BEACH – An encounter between police and an intoxicated couple on May 29 turned into an hours-long struggle to diffuse a situation that put both the police and the public in danger. Braden…
June 5, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
Help rid Island waters of lionfish

Help rid Island waters of lionfish

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is seeking help from divers, anglers and commercial harvesters to remove lionfish from Gulf of Mexico waters. Anyone…
June 5, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
Holiday parking woes continue

Holiday parking woes continue

BRADENTON BEACH – Parking issues that caused police to write hundreds of tickets on Mother’s Day spilled over into Memorial Day weekend, police say. Coquina Beach was chaos on the Sunday before Memo…
May 30, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
Police confront armed man on pier

Police confront armed man on pier

BRADENTON BEACH – Four agencies responded to a suicide attempt by an armed man on May 24 on the erosion control groins at Cortez Beach known as Twin Piers. Responding to a 911 call at 12:26 p.m. a…
May 29, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
Students, teachers all smiles as AME wraps another school year

Students, teachers all smiles as AME wraps another school year

HOLMES BEACH – As parents waited in line to pick up their children on the last day at Anna Maria Elementary School, the graduating fifth-grade class made a lap around the school, getting a round of a…
May 22, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
Memorial Day weekend parking won’t be without peril

Memorial Day weekend parking won’t be without peril

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – With Memorial Day weekend just days away, Anna Maria, Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach are preparing for what could be record-breaking crowds. While a number of visitors will f…