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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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August 29, 2021
By Jason Schaffer

Manatee County School Board extends mask ‘mandate’

HOLMES BEACH – As COVID-19 cases continue to rise, the Manatee County School Board voted 3-2 on Aug. 24 to extend a temporary mask mandate it passed on Aug. 16 requiring all students and staff to wea…
August 23, 2021
By Jason Schaffer
- Jason Schaffer | Sun

Anna Maria Elementary reports two student cases of COVID-19

HOLMES BEACH – Only 10 days into the 2021-22 school year and as the debate over mask mandates and mandatory staff vaccinations heats up, Anna Maria Elementary has reported two confirmed cases of stud…
August 22, 2021
By Jason Schaffer
Players

Island Players announce season’s first production

ANNA MARIA – After more than a year off due to COVID-19 restrictions, The Island Players are excited to announce they are starting their historic 73rd season with the delightful comedy, “The Savannah…
August 22, 2021
By Jason Schaffer
Construction

Sarasota road work affecting travel to and from the Island

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Unsuspecting motorists have found themselves stuck in traffic backed up for miles recently as they traveled from Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key to  Sarasota.  “I’ve never s…
August 16, 2021
By Jason Schaffer

Temporary mask ‘mandate’ in effect for students, staff

HOLMES BEACH – The Manatee County School Board passed a temporary mask mandate for all students and staff – with an opt-out provision – in an emergency meeting today. A regular meeting is schedule…
August 15, 2021
By Jason Schaffer
Mugshot

Man charged with attempted carjackings at Coquina Beach

BRADENTON BEACH – It was a terrifying ordeal for Louise Augustin and her three young children after a drive to Coquina Beach quickly turned into an armed carjacking. The mother and her three child…
August 15, 2021
By Jason Schaffer
Mark Platt

Island resident’s skateboard collection is art on wheels

HOLMES BEACH – Walking into the home of Mark Platt, you’ll see amazing, high-quality works of art on every wall, but it’s a little different than anything you will see in local galleries. Platt ha…
August 15, 2021
By Jason Schaffer
Island Gallery West

Island Gallery West extends “Live Colorfully”

HOLMES BEACH – Art imitates life at the Island Gallery West with the “Live Colorfully” exhibit currently on display. Vibrant works of art inspired by the flora, fauna and people of Anna Maria Island…
August 9, 2021
By Jason Schaffer
Lauren Lewe and daughter

AMI photo brings inspiration at the worst of times

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – At the age of 39, a Jacksonville, Fla. mother of two didn’t expect to ring in the new year at the Mayo Clinic undergoing surgery for a brain aneurysm, but Lauren Lewe says a pictu…
August 2, 2021
By Jason Schaffer
Eat elsewhere: Beach Bistro owner to unvaccinated diners

Beach Bistro owner to unvaccinated diners: Eat elsewhere

HOLMES BEACH – While the debate over masks and vaccinations heats up due to the Delta variant of COVID-19, one Island business owner says he doesn’t want unvaccinated customers walking through the do…
August 2, 2021
By Jason Schaffer

Four hoteliers keep their seats on the TDC

BRADENTON – Four hoteliers have been reappointed to the Manatee County Tourist Development Council (TDC). In a meeting on July 27, county commissioners voted to retain the four TDC members for ano…
August 2, 2021
By Jason Schaffer

2019 battery in Bradenton Beach takes a more serious turn

BRADENTON BEACH – What began as a battery charge over a spilled bottle of vodka has turned into William Clayton Corbitt’s conviction on battery and witness tampering. Corbitt, 41, a homeless man, pl…
August 2, 2021
By Jason Schaffer

First day of school almost here

HOLMES BEACH – The first day of school is Aug. 10 and it looks like the environment at Anna Maria Elementary will be much like it was before the COVID 19 epidemic. All students will be learning in th…
August 2, 2021
By Jason Schaffer
Anna Maria Elementary leads county in brick and mortar learning option selections

New school year brings new principal to Anna Maria Elementary

HOLMES BEACH – The 2021-22 school year is about to begin at Anna Maria Elementary on Aug. 10, and the first day for students is also the first day for Principal Michael Masiello. Following the ret…
July 26, 2021
By Jason Schaffer
Children's Drama Camp

Children’s Drama Camp showcases talented Island youth

ANNA MARIA – After two weeks of rehearsal and education, the 2021 Children’s Drama Camp closed with two performances of “Biome” at the Island Players Community Theater. The Camp is held by The Cen…