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
May 23, 2021
By Jason Schaffer
Anna Maria Elementary leads county in brick and mortar learning option selections

Masks to stay on at Anna Maria Elementary

UPDATED MAY 30, 2021 at 10:44 a.m. – A unanimous vote by the Manatee County School Board Friday morning will end the district’s mask policy. The board published a notice of intent to change the mask…
May 16, 2021
By Jason Schaffer
22nd Annual AMI Chamber Golf Tournament another big success

22nd Annual AMI Chamber Golf Tournament another big success

BRADENTON – Golfers of all skill levels came out to enjoy a day on the links and support a great cause at this year’s Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament. The match was once again h…
May 14, 2021
By Jason Schaffer

Alcohol-to-go one of many wins for restaurant, lodging industries

TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) has released its legislative summary report highlighting bills that were passed and signed into law during the 2021 Florida legisla…
May 14, 2021
By Jason Schaffer
Panic pumping causing unnecessary fuel shortage on AMI

Panic pumping causing unnecessary fuel shortage on AMI

HOLMES BEACH – Whether you call it “panic pumping” or “gas hoarding,” it’s causing problems for Island residents. Anyone who has lived through a hurricane scare saw a familiar sight this week, as…
May 10, 2021
By Jason Schaffer

Florida license plate providing funds to the arts

BRADENTON – Whether a local resident or visitor to Anna Maria Island, you have probably noticed the wide variety of Florida license plates available to residents. From education, whales, support of t…
May 10, 2021
By Jason Schaffer
Southern Atelier students serious about art

Southern Atelier students serious about art

BRADENTON – With students from Anna Maria Island and surrounding communities, the Southern Atelier is serious about art, and recently showed off their skills at the Manatee Performing Arts Center wit…
May 10, 2021
By Jason Schaffer

Influencers, national media descend on AMI in tourism campaign

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – After a year of quarantine, visitors are beginning to once again plan vacations. With tourism being so vital to the economic well-being of Anna Maria Island and Manatee County in…
May 9, 2021
By Jason Schaffer
Wild iguanas are calling Anna Maria home

Wild iguanas are calling Anna Maria Island home

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – They’re not escaped pets, they are wild iguanas, and they are showing up more often on the Island. And if the Island’s lizards seem a bit larger than they used to, that’s becau…
May 8, 2021
By Jason Schaffer
Lovebugs are back for spring mating season

They’re called lovebugs, but nobody seems to love them

ANNA MARIA – Car washes love them; most everyone else finds them to be an incredible nuisance. Twice a year, Anna Maria Island is invaded by a tiny flying pest known to science as Plecia nearctica…
May 2, 2021
By Jason Schaffer
AMI Princess

Anna Maria Princess offers plenty to laugh at

BRADENTON BEACH – Visitors come from all over the world to the white sand beaches of Anna Maria Island, and enjoy the Island’s many amenities. I was recently invited to visit Bradenton Beach to take…
April 30, 2021
By Jason Schaffer
Bradenton Anna Maria Island Longboat Key

Tourism on the rebound as visitors lengthen their stays

BRADENTON – After struggling to stay afloat throughout the worst of the COVID pandemic, area businesses may be getting some relief with people once again coming through their doors. In her monthly s…
April 30, 2021
By Jason Schaffer
Sarasota Bradenton International Airport soaring despite COVID

Sarasota Bradenton International Airport soaring despite COVID

SARASOTA – While many of the nation’s airports are seeing a small to moderate rebound after last year’s record low air travel numbers due to COVID-19, Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) i…
April 26, 2021
By Jason Schaffer
Island Players announce latest play

The Island Players to reopen for 73rd season

ANNA MARIA – Manatee County’s oldest community theater, The Island Players, will be reopening after a hiatus of more than a year due to COVID-19. The return will mark the 73rd season for The Playe…
April 19, 2021
By Jason Schaffer

‘Love It Like A Local’ marketing campaign kicks off

BRADENTON – The Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) today announced the launch of a marketing campaign, “Love It Like A Local,” designed to encourage tourists to visit responsibly at…
April 12, 2021
By Jason Schaffer
Piney Point spill may have ripple effect on tourism

Piney Point spill may have ripple effect on tourism

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The potential harm from the Piney Point wastewater spill could go beyond impacting water quality and wildlife to affecting tourism. Some soon-to-be visitors from around the cou…