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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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February 6, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
Trolly Grants help local nonprofits

Trolley grants help local nonprofits

CORTEZ – Anyone who has spent any amount of time on Anna Maria Island has certainly seen and probably enjoyed a ride on the trolley. From City Pier in Anna Maria to Coquina Beach on the southern t…
January 30, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
Is COVID a concern for our furry friends?

Is COVID-19 a concern for our furry friends?

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – After some big cats in zoos have been shown to not only carry COVID-19, but actually show symptoms, some wonder if their pets are safe. Zoos from Tampa to Washington D.C. and aro…
January 23, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
Art takes over AMI Historical Museum

Art takes over AMI Museum

ANNA MARIA – It was a blend of art and history as the Anna Maria Island Historical Society hosted an “Evening of the Arts” at its museum on Pine Avenue on Jan. 21. In addition to historic artifact…
January 23, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
Beautiful art created piece by piece

Beautiful art created piece by piece

HOLMES BEACH – When you drop a piece of china and see it shatter on the floor, you probably gasp, knowing it’s bound for the garbage and your set will never again be complete. But that’s not the case…
January 23, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
Volunteers needed for Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival

Volunteers needed for Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival

CORTEZ – If you’ve ever wanted to be a part of the Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival, now is your chance. Volunteers are needed for a variety of jobs associated with the annual celebration, which…
January 17, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
Former president honored with Artists’ Guild award

Former president honored with Artists’ Guild award

HOLMES BEACH – Former Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island President Sharon Tarras dedicated herself not only to improving the gallery but working with member artists to make the Guild the best it cou…
January 17, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
SRQ continues to break records

SRQ continues to break records

SARASOTA – If it seems like there are more people on Anna Maria Island, it’s not an illusion. According to new information and statistics released by Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ)…
January 17, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
FISH Festival only a month away

Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival only a month away

CORTEZ – The Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 19-20, and the Florida Institute For Saltwater Heritage (FISH) board is hard at work. For this 40th year…
January 16, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
Annie Silver Community Center elects officers

Annie Silver Community Center elects officers

BRADENTON BEACH – The Annie Silver Community Center has new officers, elected Jan. 10 after many meetings were suspended due to COVID-19. The board has been without a president since former Presid…
January 16, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
Shamrock Shiver raises big bucks

Shamrock Shiver raises funds for charities

BRADENTON BEACH – The results are in for this year’s 14th Annual Shamrock Shiver Charity Plunge on New Year’s Day. About 100 people took the plunge, with 60 of those signed up before the event, wh…
January 15, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
Art Walk showcases local talent

Art Walk showcases local talent

HOLMES BEACH – The first Holmes Beach Art Walk of 2022 was a big success as both locals and tourists were treated to the best of Island art featured at a variety of Island businesses. Those partic…
January 15, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
Island Players don’t disappoint with “Blithe Spirit”

Island Players don’t disappoint with ‘Blithe Spirit’

ANNA MARIA – A 1940s British drawing room is the scene of a ghostly encounter that leaves the audience simultaneously laughing and trying to figure out what kind of plot twist will walk through the d…
January 10, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
IGW featured artist paints what he loves

IGW featured artist paints what he loves

HOLMES BEACH – Island Gallery West’s January Featured Artist, Darryl Goldman, paints what he loves and draws inspiration from his life experiences and his strong faith. A display of Goldman’s art tit…
January 10, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
FISH Preserve to host Kiwanis campout

FISH Preserve to host Kiwanis campout

CORTEZ – The Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage (FISH) held its monthly meeting on Jan. 3 at Fishermen’s Hall in Cortez, and on the agenda was a vote to hold a campout weekend at the FISH Prese…
January 10, 2022
By Jason Schaffer
Water quality key to tourism

Water quality key to tourism

ANNA MARIA – While Sarasota Bay is healthier than it was in the 1970s and 1980s, it’s not as healthy as it was 15 years ago.  That little-known fact is a serious concern to Dave Tomasko, executive d…