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
February 20, 2024
By Jason Schaffer
School zone speed cameras could be coming to AME

School zone speed cameras could be coming to AME

HOLMES BEACH – Excessive speed in school zones is a serious safety issue that can be addressed by cameras, according to a recent Manatee County Commission vote. Cameras will be installed at some Man…
February 19, 2024
By Jason Schaffer
Thousands flock to Cortez for FISH Festival

Thousands stream to Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival

CORTEZ – There was something “fishy” going on in Cortez on Saturday as thousands of people streamed to the 42nd Annual Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival. Although heavy rain forced the cancellation…
February 14, 2024
By Jason Schaffer
Roser hosts Feed the Island Art and Craft Show

Roser hosts Feed the Island Art and Craft Show

ANNA MARIA – The sun was shining on Feb. 9-10 along the canal at the rear of Roser Church for the Feed the Island Art and Craft Show, the latest in a series of art and craft shows presented by Michig…
February 14, 2024
By Jason Schaffer
Island Players prep for new play

Island Players prep for new play

ANNA MARIA – It’s been a historic year for the Island Players. The theater troupe has sold out every performance of their first three plays of the 75th season, a first for Manatee County’s oldest com…
February 14, 2024
By Jason Schaffer
Artists’ Guild February featured artist shines with pastels

Artists’ Guild February featured artist shines with pastels

HOMES BEACH – On Feb. 9, the second Friday of the month, a flurry of activity surrounded the Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island (AGAMI) gallery. The monthly event, formerly known as the Holmes Beach…
February 14, 2024
By Jason Schaffer
Year in Review: Tourism

Tourist tax collections reveal mixed results in AMI’s cities

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Tourism in the city of Anna Maria was up in all 12 months of 2023 over 2022, according to tourist tax collection statistics from the Manatee County Tax Collector’s Office. The Is…
February 5, 2024
By Jason Schaffer
Roser Church hosts ‘Feed the Island’

Roser Church hosts ‘Feed the Island’

ANNA MARIA – The season of art shows on Anna Maria Island continues with the upcoming Feed the Island Art and Craft Show on Friday, Feb. 9 and Saturday, Feb. 10 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. The…
January 29, 2024
By Jason Schaffer
Chamber awards trolley grants

Chamber awards trolley grants

CORTEZ – More than a hundred people packed the Seafood Shack’s Neptune Room on Jan. 25 for the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce’s latest Business Card Exchange, which featured the annual Trolley…
January 29, 2024
By Jason Schaffer
Island Players catch audiences with ‘The Mousetrap’

Island Players catch audiences with ‘The Mousetrap’

ANNA MARIA – The Island Players are smashing previous attendance records with their newest production, Agatha Christie’s “The Mousetrap.” Director Heiko Knipfelberg assembled a talented cast for the…
January 29, 2024
By Jason Schaffer
Year in Review: Tourism

Tourism numbers slip in November

MANATEE COUNTY – Research Data Services’ Ann Wittine presented her state of tourism update to the county Tourist Development Council (TDC) on Jan. 22, comparing tourism in November 2023 to the same m…
January 16, 2024
By Jason Schaffer
Island Players’ ‘The Mousetrap’ an entertaining whodunit

Island Players’ ‘The Mousetrap’ an entertaining whodunit

ANNA MARIA – It’s only fitting that Manatee County’s oldest community theater would continue its historic 75th season with the world’s longest-running play. Agatha Christie’s “The Mousetrap” is dire…
January 16, 2024
By Jason Schaffer
Holmes Beach Night Market a shopper’s delight

Holmes Beach Night Market a shopper’s delight

HOLMES BEACH – It was difficult to find a parking space and sidewalks were packed at the Jan. 12 Night Market. The event is a partnership between the City of Holmes Beach, Bradenton Area Arts and Cul…
January 16, 2024
By Jason Schaffer
Body found on Bradenton Beach dock

Body found on Bradenton Beach dock

BRADENTON BEACH – It was just after 1 a.m. on Jan. 12 when three fishermen on a boat near the Bradenton Beach Pier needed a break from the inclement weather and decided to head to the adjacent dinghy…
January 9, 2024
By Jason Schaffer
Island Players kick off the new year with ‘Mousetrap'

Island Players kick off the new year with ‘Mousetrap’

ANNA MARIA – After a break for the holiday season, the Island Players, the oldest community theater in Manatee County, continues its historic 75th season with their production of Agatha Christie’s “T…
January 1, 2024
By Jason Schaffer
Police chase on and off the Island ends with crash

Police chase on, off Island ends in crash

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Manatee County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) deputies arrested a man after he allegedly battered an Uber driver, stole his vehicle and crashed it into light poles. At about 12:18 a.m…