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Tom Vaught

Tom Vaught

February 23, 2016
Sun contributor Tom Vaught covers obituaries. Email
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February 21, 2019
By Tom Vaught
Beer Can Island

Grilled chicken in paradise

After many years of enjoying Florida’s cuisine – seafood, shellfish and other treats – I was diverted by a Jimmy Buffett song to that ground beef and cheddar cheese sandwich known as the cheeseburger…
February 14, 2019
By Tom Vaught
Surf Shop reopens

Surf Shop reopens

HOLMES BEACH – West Coast Surf Shop, 3902 Gulf Drive, just south of Manatee Beach, is back in business following a fire on April 15 of last year. Owners Jim and Ronee Brady had a soft opening Mond…
February 9, 2019
By Tom Vaught
Vassar rocks The Center

Vassar rocks The Center

ANNA MARIA – Soulful songs, the pounding of piano keys and cheering Phil Vassar fans shook the rafters of The Center of Anna Maria Island Friday night. Sponsored by the Bradenton Area Convention a…
February 2, 2019
By Tom Vaught
Janis Ian charms the Island

Janis Ian charms the Island

HOLMES BEACH – Grammy Award-winning singer, composer and author Janis Ian shared her wit and musical talent with three groups of listeners estimated to number more than 200. It was the most-watched a…
January 30, 2019
By Tom Vaught
Surf shop reopening soon

Surf shop reopening soon

HOLMES BEACH – The surf is up for the reopening of the West Coast Surf Shop, 3902 Gulf Drive, after a fire heavily damaged it on April 15, 2018. Owner Jim Brady was notified Tuesday that the shop’…
January 29, 2019
By Tom Vaught
Janis Ian in demand for library appearance

Janis Ian in demand for library appearance

HOLMES BEACH – When Janis Ian makes her appearance for the Island Branch Library’s Friends’ Lecture and Travel Series Thursday, Jan. 31 at 2 p.m., she will likely do so before the largest audience in…
January 20, 2019
By Tom Vaught
Jane Seymour

Jane Seymour wows ‘em at Studio

ANNA MARIA – Actress Jane Seymour capped a busy day in Manatee County by hosting as many as 200 people at a party at The Studio at Gulf and Pine Friday evening. The renowned star of television and…
January 19, 2019
By Tom Vaught
Dolphin Dash

Dolphin Dash draws 200-plus runners

HOLMES BEACH – The 13th Annual Dolphin Dash today was a success, thanks in part to weather that was cool enough for the runners, but not too cold. Organizer Kelly Gitt of the Anna Maria Elementary…
January 18, 2019
By Tom Vaught
Jane Seymour

Jane Seymour unveils sculpture in Bradenton

BRADENTON – A well-known actress unveiled a sculpture at Riverwalk this morning, discussing what the work means to her and hoping it could have the same meaning to others. Jane Seymour, whose artw…
January 15, 2019
By Tom Vaught
Island players I Hate Hamlet cast

You’ll love ‘I hate Hamlet’

ANNA MARIA – Every once in a while an actor finds that perfect role, or is it the role that finds that perfect actor? That’s what happens in “I Hate Hamlet” by Paul Rudnick, now playing at the Island…
January 8, 2019
By Tom Vaught
Studio at Gulf and Pine

Jane Seymour artwork at The Studio

The Studio at Gulf and Pine, 10101 Gulf Drive in Anna Maria, will host Up Close and Personal: The Art of Jane Seymour on Tuesday, Jan. 15, with nearly 50 original watercolors, oils, open heart bronze…
January 2, 2019
By Tom Vaught

Shamrock Shiver leaves them laughing

The New Year got off to a great start on Cortez Beach when as many as 150 people watched and participated in the annual Shamrock Shiver, a fundraiser with a costume contest judged by the audience and…
December 29, 2018
By Tom Vaught
Becky Walter

Runner mom inspires kids to dash

HOLMES BEACH – When the runners take their places for the 13th Annual Dolphin Dash 5K race on Saturday, Jan. 19 at 8:30 a.m, they’ll have a persistent and loving mom to thank. Rebecca “Becky” Walt…
December 22, 2018
By Tom Vaught

Fireworks to bring in the New Year

The Beach House restaurant at 200 Gulf Drive N. in Bradenton Beach will again be the site for the Chiles Group’s annual New Year’s fireworks display. There will be fireworks, a DJ, photo booth, pa…
December 22, 2018
By Tom Vaught

Dolphin Dash returns to AME

HOLMES BEACH – The Dolphin Dash begins on Saturday, Jan. 19 at 8 a.m. at Anna Maria Elementary School (AME), 4700 Gulf Drive, with a 5K run timed and sanctioned by the Bradenton Runners Club. The…