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
September 26, 2021
By Jason Schaffer
AME two weeks COVID free

AME two weeks COVID-19 free

HOLMES BEACH – For the first time since the start of the 2021-22 school year, Anna Maria Elementary has not reported any positive COVID-19 cases among students or staff for two consecutive weeks…
September 26, 2021
By Jason Schaffer
The return of red tide may be driving away some tourists

Return of red tide may be driving away tourists

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Red tide hit the Island this year in mid-April. By mid-September, it appeared the worst had subsided. A stroll down Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach or Pine Avenue in Anna Maria w…
September 24, 2021
By Jason Schaffer

Myths and facts about COVID-19 vaccines

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Debates about vaccine safety have existed since Edward Jenner used cowpox material to create immunity to smallpox in 1796. Considered the first successful vaccine, it would go on…
September 20, 2021
By Jason Schaffer
Cortez Cultural Center to host Veteran's Day salute

Cortez Cultural Center to host music, arts events

CORTEZ – The Cortez Cultural Center, 11655 Cortez Road W., invites everyone to enjoy its fall events, including Music on the Porch, an Arts and Crafts sale and a Veteran’s Day Weekend Salute. Open…
September 19, 2021
By Jason Schaffer
No new COVID cases at Anna Maria Elementary

No new COVID cases at Anna Maria Elementary

HOLMES BEACH – For the first time since Manatee County schools began reporting positive COVID-19 cases among students and staff, Anna Maria Elementary reports no new cases among either students or st…
September 19, 2021
By Jason Schaffer
Drinks are flowing at Island Players 73rd season premier

Drinks are flowing at Island Players 73rd season premier

ANNA MARIA – As the title implies, there’s plenty of drinking going on in “The Savannah Sipping Society,” directed by Mike Lusk and presented by The Island Players. The play is set to run until Sept…
September 13, 2021
By Jason Schaffer
Island Gallery West welcomes new members

Island Gallery West welcomes new members

HOLMES BEACH – Island Gallery West features art created by its 30 member artists who work in paint, drawing, mixed media, photographs, sculpture, jewelry and glass mosaics. The gallery recently annou…
September 12, 2021
By Jason Schaffer

Boat thief easily caught in Bradenton Beach

BRADENTON BEACH – When Paul Koelkebeck anchored his boat to have dinner at the Gulf Drive Cafe on Saturday, Sept. 5, the last thing he expected to see from his table was his boat driving by. Accor…
September 12, 2021
By Jason Schaffer
Anna Maria Elementary leads county in brick and mortar learning option selections

Anna Maria Elementary remains free of staff COVID cases

HOLMES BEACH – While the Delta variant of COVID-19 continues to cause cases to soar, Anna Maria Elementary has made it through the first month of school with no staff testing positive and 12 positive…
September 12, 2021
By Jason Schaffer
Island Players kick off historic 73rd season

Island Players kick off historic 73rd season

ANNA MARIA – After the COVID-19 pandemic put a stop to live theater in 2020, the Island Players are excited to kick off their historic 73rd season on Thursday, Sept. 16, with a production of “The Sav…
September 5, 2021
By Jason Schaffer
Bradenton Beach Police crack down on derelict boats

Bradenton Beach police crack down on derelict boats

BRADENTON BEACH  – This time last year, 68 boats – many derelict – were moored or anchored in Sarasota Bay off the coast of Bradenton Beach.  As of Sept. 3, that number is down to 15, largely due…
September 5, 2021
By Jason Schaffer

Ask for proof of vaccine, get a fine

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Florida is poised to begin enforcing the state law banning vaccine “passports” this month, imposing $5,000 fines on schools, government agencies and businesses that require proof…
September 5, 2021
By Jason Schaffer
Beach

Labor Day weekend packs the Island

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Anna Maria Island’s world-famous beaches have seen a record number of visitors this summer, and the Labor Day holiday is no exception. With the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions i…
September 3, 2021
By Jason Schaffer
More COVID cases at Anna Maria Elementary

More COVID cases at Anna Maria Elementary

HOLMES BEACH – Manatee County schools, including Anna Maria Elementary School, continue to see a rise in the number of COVID-19 cases. AME reports two coronavirus cases among students and two stud…
August 30, 2021
By Jason Schaffer
Ribbon cutting

Bradenton Beach Spa and Bou-tiki celebrates 10 years

BRADENTON BEACH – Bridge Street is known for its many dining choices and some of the best shopping on the Island. Among the restaurants, gift shops and galleries you will find Searenity Beach Spa &am…