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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
September 19, 2023
By Jason Schaffer
‘Farce of Nature’ begins Players’ 75th season with laughs

‘Farce of Nature’ begins Players’ 75th season with laughs

ANNA MARIA – Director Mike Lusk’s talented cast brings plenty of laughs as the Island Players’ first performance of their historic 75th season hits audiences in the funny bone with “Farce of Nature,”…
September 12, 2023
By Jason Schaffer
Manatee County Sheriff's Office

Cortez fisherman’s assailant convicted after dragging him with truck

BRADENTON – David Lynn Nichols, 60, has been found guilty of battery and leaving the scene of a crash that caused a Cortez man to lose an arm, among other serious injuries. In Manatee County’s 12th…
September 11, 2023
By Jason Schaffer
Unknown man rescues 9-year-old from drowning

Unknown man rescues 9-year-old from drowning

BRADENTON BEACH – For one family, the Labor Day holiday weekend ended with gratitude to an unknown rescuer after a 9-year-old girl was saved from drowning at Cortez Beach. According to Bradenton Bea…
September 1, 2023
By Jason Schaffer
Tourism numbers stay strong on Anna Maria Island

Tourism numbers stay strong on Anna Maria Island

ANNA MARIA – Research Data Services’ (RDS) Ann Wittine presented an optimistic state of tourism update to the Manatee County Tourist Development Council (TDC) on Aug. 21 at The Center of Anna Maria I…
September 1, 2023
By Jason Schaffer
Vicious dog attacks again

Vicious dog attacks again

HOLMES BEACH – A Holmes Beach resident says she and her dog are lucky to be alive after being attacked by a 143-pound mastiff while going for a walk at her condo. Evalena Leedy was taking her 9-poun…
August 23, 2023
By Jason Schaffer
Holmes Beach seeks TDC approval for path enhancements

City seeks TDC approval for path funds

HOLMES BEACH – City officials are seeking tourist tax funding for enhancements to the city’s multimodal path and the creation of a new path. Public Works Superintendent/City Engineer Sage Kamiya addr…
August 22, 2023
By Jason Schaffer
Dog attack injures woman, kills dog

Dog attack injures woman, kills dog

BRADENTON BEACH – A woman and her small dog were attacked by an unleashed mastiff at Island Time Bar and Grill, 111 Gulf Drive S. on Aug. 9. The dog later died, according to the owner. Bradenton Be…
August 17, 2023
By Jason Schaffer
Florida Highway Patrol

Cyclist killed in collision on Anna Maria Island Bridge

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – A man on a bicycle was killed after a collision with an SUV on Manatee Avenue near the center of the Anna Maria Island Bridge, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP). The i…
August 15, 2023
By Jason Schaffer
AME students back in school

AME students back in school

HOLMES BEACH – For some children, it was their first day of kindergarten, and emotions ranged from excitement to just plain nervousness. For fifth graders, it was the first day of their last year at…
August 14, 2023
By Jason Schaffer
Hillsborough Sergeant arrested in Bradenton Beach

Hillsborough sergeant arrested over parking space dispute

BRADENTON BEACH – A Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) sergeant is on administrative leave after being arrested and charged with obstruction without violence by Bradenton Beach police (BBPD)…
July 11, 2023
By Jason Schaffer
Fourth of July Parade wet, wild fun

Fourth of July Parade wet, wild fun

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – More than 120 participants in the annual Anna Maria Island Privateers Fourth of July Parade loaded their vehicles with water guns to do battle with thousands of people lining the…
July 10, 2023
By Jason Schaffer
New mural adorns Island Branch Library

New mural adorns Island Branch Library

HOLMES BEACH – Heads are turning as people drive past the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, after the recent addition of a colorful mural that stretches the length of the west side of the lib…
July 3, 2023
By Jason Schaffer
Water taxi expected to launch soon

Water taxi expected to launch soon

BRADENTON – An open house held on June 27 at the Manatee Performing Arts Center by the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) offered answers to many of the questions regarding the long-…
July 3, 2023
By Jason Schaffer
Man, 71, drowns at Coquina Beach

Man, 71, drowns at Coquina Beach

BRADENTON BEACH – While the water may look calm and harmless, a number of drowning deaths have struck the Gulf coast of Florida over the last month, and a 71-year-old Bradenton man was the latest to…
July 3, 2023
By Jason Schaffer
Island Players documentary premier a sellout

Island Players documentary premier a sellout

ANNA MARIA – Operating for 75 years, the Island Players is the oldest community theater group in Manatee County, but the history of their home dates back another 75 years. How the theater got to it…