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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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December 23, 2023
By Jason Schaffer
Year in Review: Tourism

Year in Review: Tourism

Journal featured a full-page article about Anna Maria’s 34216 zip code being the second most expensive in Florida. It ranked second only to the ultra-exclusive Fisher Island in Miami, which is home t…
December 19, 2023
By Jason Schaffer
Sleigh Bell Social brings big holiday fun to Holmes Beach

Sleigh Bell Social brings holiday fun to Holmes Beach

HOLMES BEACH – There were holiday songs, free food, prizes galore, a 100-foot-long bounce house, police, fire trucks and much more at the Sleigh Bell Social on Dec. 14 at City Field. Previously, the…
December 19, 2023
By Jason Schaffer
Sandbar party big fun for kids

Sandbar party big fun for kids

ANNA MARIA – Chiles Hospitality hosted the 28th Annual Lawton Chiles Christmas for Kids Party on Dec. 14 at the Grand Pavilion of the Sandbar restaurant, 100 Spring Ave. Every year, Chiles Hospitali…
December 15, 2023
By Jason Schaffer
Police find drugs, stolen firearm at beach

Police find drugs, stolen firearm at beach

HOLMES BEACH – A routine check on a vehicle at the 52nd Street beach access turned into an arrest for possession of marijuana, felony grand theft of a firearm and other charges for one suspect. Of…
December 5, 2023
By Jason Schaffer
Holmes Beach Holiday Open House a hit with shoppers

Holmes Beach Holiday Open House a hit with shoppers

HOLMES BEACH – It was difficult to find a parking space and sidewalks were packed at the Dec. 1 Holmes Beach Holiday Open House. The event is a partnership between the City of Holmes Beach, Bradento…
December 5, 2023
By Jason Schaffer
A Paradise Realty collects Toys for Tots

A Paradise Realty collects Toys for Tots

HOLMES BEACH – The holiday season is a time for giving, and that’s exactly what was going on at A Paradise Reality last Friday as the staff held their Toys for Tots drive and holiday party. The event…
December 5, 2023
By Jason Schaffer
AMI privateers party for a cause

AMI privateers party for a cause

RADENTON BEACH – It was a perfect night for a party and the Anna Maria Island Privateers know how to pack people in for a worthy cause. Last Saturday evening, thousands of people flocked to Bridge S…
December 5, 2023
By Jason Schaffer
New Christmas tree de-lightful

New Christmas tree de-lightful

HOLMES BEACH – Hundreds of people flocked to the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce’s parking lot for the annual tree lighting ceremony on Dec. 1. In previous years, the tree has been a tree-shape…
December 5, 2023
By Jason Schaffer
Coquina Beach Trail improvements delayed

Coquina Beach trail improvements delayed

BRADENTON BEACH – Improvements to the Coquina Beach multi-use trail have been delayed. The trail is a paved path about the width of a city sidewalk that begins at the Longboat Pass parking lot and r…
November 20, 2023
By Jason Schaffer
AMI Chamber Gala features Business of the Year Awards

AMI Chamber names Businesses of the Year

BRADENTON – Local busi­ness owners recognized high achievers in the business world at the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Com­merce 2023 Member Gala on Nov. 17 at the Bradenton Country Club. The even…
November 20, 2023
By Jason Schaffer
Garden Club Plant Sale draws crowd

Garden Club Plant Sale draws crowd

ANNA MARIA – From the serious gardening enthusiast to the casual plant admirer, this year’s annual Anna Maria Island Garden Club Plant Sale on Nov. 17 had some­thing for everyone. Each year, the G…
November 20, 2023
By Jason Schaffer
Holmes Beach Police chase ends in crash and arrest

Holmes Beach Police chase ends in crash and arrest

HOLMES BEACH – Police Officer Andrew Adkins was in his patrol car at the intersection of Manatee Avenue and Gulf Drive on Nov. 7 at 10:41 p.m. when he saw a black Chevy Silverado leave the Manatee Be…
November 13, 2023
By Jason Schaffer
Holiday shoppers flock to Market Night

Holiday shoppers flock to Market Night

HOLMES BEACH – This year’s second Holmes Beach Market Night on Nov. 10 drew no shortage of people coming out to holiday shop during extended hours at retailers in and around the Island Shopping Cente…
November 13, 2023
By Jason Schaffer
Symphony salutes veterans

Symphony salutes veterans

BRADENTON BEACH – It was a feast for all five senses as hundreds gathered at Coquina Beach for the 2023 Symphony on the Sand. The smell of gourmet food filled the air as the 45-piece Anna Maria Isla…
November 13, 2023
By Jason Schaffer
Unique country store opens

Unique country store opens

HOLMES BEACH – Located in the former Island Gallery West at 5368 Gulf Drive, the new Edibles N More Old Time Country Store isn’t a traditional hemp product retailer. Owner Mel Wendel says while many…