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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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October 23, 2021
By Jason Schaffer
Red tide cleanup efforts earn park operations manager tourism award

Red tide cleanup earns park manager tourism award

BRADENTON – Through his hard work and dedication to the cleanup effort during this year’s red tide outbreak in Manatee County, Carmine DeMilio was awarded the first-ever Outstanding Contribution to T…
October 23, 2021
By Jason Schaffer
Chiles continues to push for water taxis

Chiles continues to push for water taxis

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The subject of a water taxi service comes up often at Manatee County Tourist Development Council meetings, and this was once again the case on Oct. 18 when the longest-serving boa…
October 23, 2021
By Jason Schaffer
Bradenton Anna Maria Island Longboat Key

TDC hears tourism update

BRADENTON – Local tourism is on the increase, according to Ann Wittine, of Tampa-based Research Data Services, who gave a report on Oct. 18 to the Manatee County Tourist Development Council (TDC)…
October 18, 2021
By Jason Schaffer
Island Gallery West featured artist makes appearance

Island Gallery West featured artist makes appearance

HOLMES BEACH – Island Gallery West’s Featured Artist for the month of October made an appearance at the gallery on Oct. 8. Jim Wheeler has been a photographer since the age of 16, and is a longtime p…
October 17, 2021
By Jason Schaffer

AME still COVID-free as school cases drop countywide

HOLMES BEACH – After experiencing a fifth straight week of no COVID-positive staff or students, it’s possible things may be slowly returning to normal after a scary start to the 2021-22 school year t…
October 17, 2021
By Jason Schaffer
Privateers mourn the loss of ‘Big John’

Privateers mourn the loss of ‘Big John’ Swager

ANNA MARIA – Beloved Anna Maria Island Privateer John ‘Big John’ Swager, 58, died on Oct. 6 at Blake Medical Center after a month-long battle with COVID-19 and pneumonia. Anyone who had the pleasu…
October 17, 2021
By Jason Schaffer
Return of Bayfest a big hit in Anna Maria

Return of Bayfest a big hit in Anna Maria

ANNA MARIA – Perfect weather set the backdrop, and from blocks away you could smell the food and hear the band laying down beats that had people literally dancing in the streets as Anna Maria saw the…
October 10, 2021
By Jason Schaffer
Cortez Arts and Crafts fair offers something for everyone

Cortez Arts and Crafts fair offers something for everyone

CORTEZ – Whether you love crafts, food or are just looking for Halloween ideas, the upcoming Cortez Cultural Center Arts and Crafts Fair is sure to please. Visitors will enjoy a wide variety of lo…
October 10, 2021
By Jason Schaffer
Island Players announce their next production

Island Players announce their next production

ANNA MARIA – Following the resounding success of their 2021-22 season opener, “The Savannah Sipping Society,” the Island Players announce their next production, “Same Time, Next Year,” which will run…
October 10, 2021
By Jason Schaffer
Artists Guild holds grand reopening

Artists’ Guild holds grand reopening

HOLMES BEACH – The Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island held its grand re-opening event on Oct. 8 at their gallery, located at 5414 Marina Drive. Some of the Guild’s more than 150 member artists were…
October 3, 2021
By Jason Schaffer

Bayfest is back

ANNA MARIA – One of the most anticipated events on the Island is back for 2021. Bayfest will take place Saturday, Oct. 16 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Pine Avenue. There will be a kick-off event at the…
October 3, 2021
By Jason Schaffer
- Jason Schaffer | Sun

Annie Silver Community Center seeks new president

BRADENTON BEACH – The Annie Silver Community Center board met last week for the first time since Oct. 19, 2020, when COVID-19 put a stop to board meetings. The Sept. 27 meeting would be the last w…
October 3, 2021
By Jason Schaffer
Turtle Watch Wednesday a big success

Turtle Watch Wednesday raises funds, spirits

HOLMES BEACH – After a year off due to COVID-19, the community flocked to the Third Annual Turtle Watch Wednesday fundraising event on Sept. 29 at Hurricane Hanks to show their support for Anna Maria…
October 2, 2021
By Jason Schaffer

COVID-19 on the decline in county schools

HOLMES BEACH – Almost two months into the 2021-22 school year, Anna Maria Elementary School is now reporting three consecutive weeks with no COVID-19 cases among students or staff. AME is also one…
September 26, 2021
By Jason Schaffer
Island Gallery West announces new featured artist

Island Gallery West announces new featured artist

HOLMES BEACH – Island Gallery West has announced its Featured Artist for the month of October. Jim Wheeler has been a photographer since the age of 16, and is a longtime painter of acrylics. These sk…