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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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May 22, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
Featured artist impressive with pencil

Featured artist impressive with pencil

HOLMES BEACH – Island Gallery West’s featured artist for May, Janet Flickinger, captures common life through her pencil works, currently on display in the exhibit, “People Everywhere.” The display…
May 15, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
Illegal parking in Bradenton Beach becoming a big problem

New illegal beach parking trend grows

BRADENTON BEACH – A new parking trend at Cortez Beach is not only making it difficult for legally parked vehicles to maneuver, but is leaving Bradenton Beach police no choice but to write tickets unt…
May 14, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
Police warn of ‘fresh towel’ scam

Police warn of ‘fresh towel’ scam

BRADENTON BEACH – Police are warning unsuspecting visitors of a possible scam. A group visiting from Illinois was staying at a rental unit on Avenue A in Bradenton Beach when a tan-colored late-1990…
May 14, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
Island Players wrap season with hilarious whodunnit

Island Players wrap season with hilarious whodunnit

ANNA MARIA – The Island Players wrap up their 73rd season Sunday, May 15 at 2 p.m. with the final performance of their fifth play of the season, Sam Bobrick’s “The Psychic.” Directed by James Thag…
May 8, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
Sea turtle nesting season is on

Sea turtle nesting season is on

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Just in time for Mother’s Day, sea turtles that hatched on the Island have begun returning to lay their own nests. Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring (AMIT…
April 17, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
Egg hunt brings hundreds to Anna Maria

Egg hunt brings hundreds to Anna Maria

ANNA MARIA – The 34th Annual Easter Egg Hunt at the Sandbar Restaurant drew hundreds of children and their excited parents to the white sands of Anna Maria Island on April 16. This annual even…
April 17, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
Third suspect arrested in Holmes Beach attack

Third suspect arrested in Holmes Beach attack

HOLMES BEACH – A third suspect in the violent beating of a 40-year-old man has been arrested.  Cameron Evans, 18, of Sarasota was located and arrested by the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office on Ap…
April 11, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
Local author recounts 12 years overseas

Local author recounts 12 years overseas

HOLMES BEACH – A local author has written a book about her 12 years as a teacher in five countries overseas, and is promoting it on Anna Maria Island. Carol Hoffman held a book signing at The Sand…
April 10, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
Galleries hold final Art Walk of season

Galleries hold final Art Walk of season

HOLMES BEACH – The April 8 Art Walk was the final one of the season with the walks resuming in November, but there was plenty to see before the break. The Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island and I…
April 10, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
One suspect remains at large in Holmes Beach attack

One suspect still at large in Holmes Beach beating

HOLMES BEACH – Two suspects have been arrested and one remains at large in the violent beating of a 40-year-old man in Holmes Beach. John William Bartholow, 17, of Ellenton, was taken into custody…
April 3, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
Second bike thief busted in Bradenton Beach

Second bike thief busted in Bradenton Beach

BRADENTON BEACH – Levi Oxendine, 22, of Bradenton, was arrested on March 30 for the theft of two bicycles – one that he was riding, and the other that he had on the handlebars. Oxendine was riding…
April 2, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
Suspect arrested in Holmes Beach attack

Suspect arrested in Holmes Beach attack

HOLMES BEACH – One suspect is under arrest and one is still at large in connection with the beating of a 40-year-old Holmes Beach man on March 23. John William Bartholow, 17, of Ellenton was taken…
March 28, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
It’s spring break on the Island

It’s spring break on the Island

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Every year at this time, thousands of high school and college students come to the Island to get away, trading tests and quizzes for sunshine and sand. Some come with their famili…
March 27, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
Annie Silver looking at busy spring

Annie Silver Center looking at busy spring

BRADENTON BEACH – The Annie Silver Community Center has been a fixture in this community for more than 70 years, and 2022 is off to a great start, continuing the tradition of offering events for memb…
March 27, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
Busted in Bradenton Beach

Busted in Bradenton Beach

BRADENTON BEACH – Police lights and the sound of helicopter blades woke residents early last Saturday morning as a driver blew past a Holmes Beach Police Department officer in the 2800 block of Gulf…