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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
Email Jason Schaffer
April 15, 2024
By Jason Schaffer
Artists’ Guild features Patterson

Artists’ Guild features Patterson

HOLMES BEACH – The last Holmes Beach Night Market of the season packed the sidewalks with shoppers, diners and art lovers on April 12, who were introduced to the Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island’s…
April 8, 2024
By Jason Schaffer

Bradenton man arrested for allegedly selling cocaine

HOLMES BEACH – A tip from a witness about a suspected drug deal on March 29 led to the arrest of a Bradenton man on multiple charges, including felony possession of cocaine with intent to sell. The…
April 2, 2024
By Jason Schaffer
AMI Chamber awards scholarships

AMI Chamber awards scholarships

HOLMES BEACH – The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce’s monthly Business Card Exchanges are always a great networking event, but the March 28 exchange at LaPensee Plumbing, Pools and Air was extra…
April 1, 2024
By Jason Schaffer
Hurricane season predicted to be far above average

Hurricane season predicted to be far above average

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The Island dodged direct hits from major hurricanes in 2022 (Ian) and 2023 (Idalia), but this year may be different, according to AccuWeather, whose prediction for 2024 is far abo…
March 26, 2024
By Jason Schaffer
Man completes Chamber passport program in five hours

Man completes Chamber passport program in five hours

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The annual Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce’s Passport Program is a fun way for residents and visitors to the Island to get out and discover Island businesses with a passport…
March 26, 2024
By Jason Schaffer
One ARK Foundation raises funds for foster families

One ARK Foundation raises funds for foster families

live music, delicious food and spirited fundraising as the One ARK Foundation held its second annual “Kindness Matters Extravaganza” at The Cheesecake Cutie & Cafe on March 21. “One ARK” stands…
March 20, 2024
By Jason Schaffer
‘Communicating Doors’ a hilarious time warp

‘Communicating Doors’ a hilarious time warp

ANNA MARIA – The Island Players continue their historic 75th season with Alan Ayckbourn’s “Communicating Doors.” Directed by veteran director Preston Boyd and stage managed by his talented wife, Pris…
March 20, 2024
By Jason Schaffer
Golf cart accident victims say ‘buckle up’

Golf cart accident victims say ‘buckle up’

BRADENTON BEACH – One of the biggest concerns for the Island’s police departments is the use of seatbelts on low-speed vehicles (LSV), commonly referred to as golf carts. After an accident that sent…
March 20, 2024
By Jason Schaffer

Man arrested for battery on police officer

BRADENTON BEACH – What began as a routine trespass request from the Circle K parking lot at 103 Gulf Drive N. quickly turned to a battery arrest after a suspect threatened officers and allegedly stru…
March 20, 2024
By Jason Schaffer
Beach House employee killed in Bradenton shooting

Beach House employee killed in Bradenton shooting

BRADENTON – A Manatee High School wrestler and employee of the Beach House Waterfront Restaurant in Bradenton Beach was tragically killed in a March 8 shooting in Bradenton. Manatee County Sheriff’s…
March 18, 2024
By Jason Schaffer
Jewelry Sale offers great deals for a great cause

Jewelry Sale offers great deals for a great cause

HOLMES BEACH – For the second year in a row, the Anna Maria Island community has shown incredible support for the Island Branch Library. The Friends of the Island Library (FIL), a group of volunteers…
March 12, 2024
By Jason Schaffer
Artists’ Guild March featured artist all about oil

Artists’ Guild March featured artist all about oil

The March 8 Holmes Beach Night Market featured extended shopping hours in Holmes Beach, and lots of art. HOMES BEACH – March 8 was the second Friday of the month, and the Holmes Beach Night Market…
March 5, 2024
By Jason Schaffer
AME parts with beloved train caboose

AME parts with beloved train caboose

HOLMES BEACH – Anna Maria Elementary School (AME) is unique for many reasons – a caring and dedicated staff, its spectacular location on the bay and the recent addition of the world’s first Guy Harve…
March 4, 2024
By Jason Schaffer
Spring Break is underway

Spring Break is underway

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – While recent temperatures on Anna Maria Island have been in the 80s, many college students north of Florida are cold and in need of some island time to reset, refresh, then finish…
February 20, 2024
By Jason Schaffer
Police investigate gunshots in Holmes Beach

Police investigate gunshots in Holmes Beach

HOLMES BEACH – Shots were fired, but who fired them and exactly where they were fired remains a mystery after all of the Island’s three police departments participated in the search for the shooter…