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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 28, 2024
By Jason Schaffer
AME welcomes new principal

AME welcomes new principal

HOLMES BEACH – Anna Maria Elementary School (AME) Principal Mike Masiello announced his retirement earlier this month, and Willis Elementary School Assistant Principal Katie Fradley has accepted the…
May 21, 2024
By Jason Schaffer
Bradenton Beach gets donation of life vests

Bradenton Beach gets donation of life vests

BRADENTON BEACH – It’s an all-too-common problem for boaters to have a passenger load that exceeds the number of life vests onboard their craft, according to the Bradenton Beach Police Department (BB…
May 21, 2024
By Jason Schaffer
Tips for a great Memorial Day weekend on AMI

Tips for a great Memorial Day weekend on AMI

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – With less than a week until the busy Memorial Day weekend, the Island is bracing for the good and the frustration that comes with major holidays. This year’s busy spring break sea…
May 13, 2024
By Jason Schaffer
March tourism numbers soar

March tourism numbers soar

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – March tourism numbers are up from last year in all three Island cities, significantly so in the City of Anna Maria. Each month, the Manatee County Tax Collector’s Office reports…
May 7, 2024
By Jason Schaffer
Island Players produce thrilling ‘Woman in Black’

Island Players produce thrilling ‘Woman in Black’

ANNA MARIA – Anyone who regularly attends performances by the Island Players is used to lighthearted comedies that have the audience in hysterics for a great deal of the time they are in their seats…
April 30, 2024
By Jason Schaffer
Anna Maria Island Historical Society

Pat Copeland Scholarships awarded

ANNA MARIA – Three students were awarded the 2024 Pat Copeland Scholarships at the Anna Maria Island Historical Society during the April 25 AMI Chamber of Commerce Business Card Exchange. The schola…
April 30, 2024
By Jason Schaffer
Island Players present ‘The Woman in Black’

Island Players present ‘The Woman in Black’

ANNA MARIA – The Island Players conclude their historic 75th season with “The Woman in Black,” directed by Kelly Wynn Woodland and stage managed by Kristin Mazzitelli. According to Woodland, this pl…
April 29, 2024
By Jason Schaffer
Bed tax increase to be decided by voters

Voters to decide tourist tax increase

MANATEE COUNTY – County commissioners were set to vote on whether to increase the county’s tourist tax, also known as the bed tax, from 5% to 6% at their April 23 meeting, but the item was removed fr…
April 29, 2024
By Jason Schaffer
Nobody loves lovebugs but other lovebugs

Nobody loves lovebugs but other lovebugs

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Twice a year the area is invaded by a tiny flying pest known as plecia nearctica, better known to Floridians as the lovebug, and once again, they are back. Car washes love them…
April 22, 2024
By Jason Schaffer
TDC considers adding third ferry boat

TDC considers adding third ferry boat

BRADENTON – The Manatee County Tourist Development Council (TDC) discussed the status of the new water ferry service and the possibility of adding a third ferry on April 15. The Gulf Islands Ferry s…
April 22, 2024
By Jason Schaffer

TDC recommends raising tourist tax

BRADENTON – A visit to Manatee County could soon cost tourists more, as the Manatee County Tourist Development Council (TDC) voted unanimously to recommend raising the county’s tourism tax from 5% to…
April 22, 2024
By Jason Schaffer
Tourism numbers rise

Tourism numbers rise

ANNA MARIA – Research Data Services’ Anne Wittine presented her upbeat state of tourism report to the Manatee County Tourist Development Council (TDC) on April 15. Wittine’s report featured the late…
April 22, 2024
By Jason Schaffer
Three crashes damage two businesses, one crosswalk signal

Three crashes damage two businesses, one crosswalk signal

HOLMES BEACH – Two cars drove into two neighboring businesses on two separate days last week, followed by a crash into a crosswalk signal and pedestrian barrier at the nearby intersection of Marina a…
April 17, 2024
By Jason Schaffer
TDC recommends raising tourist tax

TDC recommends raising tourist tax

BRADENTON – A visit to Manatee County could soon cost tourists more, as the Manatee County Tourist Development Council (TDC) voted unanimously to recommend raising the county’s tourism tax from 5% to…
April 15, 2024
By Jason Schaffer
Responses filed in negligence suit

Responses filed in negligence suit

HOLMES BEACH – The two defendants in a civil suit filed by the daughter of Miriam Trotter, 86, of Bradenton, who was killed in a traffic accident on May 12, 2023, have filed responses to the suit in…