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Tom Vaught

Tom Vaught

February 23, 2016
Sun contributor Tom Vaught covers obituaries. Email
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December 22, 2018
By Tom Vaught

Take a New Year’s dip at Shamrock Shiver

BRADENTON BEACH – The 11th Annual Shamrock Shiver Charity Plunge, a local fundraiser for at-risk children, will take place on Tuesday, Jan. 1 at noon at Seventh Street South and Gulf Drive. A “Pos…
December 22, 2018
By Tom Vaught

Trolleys roll through holidays

Manatee County Area Transit plans to shut down bus service at 3 p.m. on Christmas Eve, but the trolleys will keep running until 7 p.m., according to a Manatee County press release. There will be n…
December 20, 2018
By Tom Vaught

Churches celebrate the reason for the season

Christmas is about the birth of Jesus Christ, and Christians usually want to give thanks, as well as unwrap presents and feast with family. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, there are six house…
December 18, 2018
By Tom Vaught
Bradenton Beach Christmas on Bridge Street Winning boat

Holiday celebrations on Bridge Street

BRADENTON BEACH – The celebration spotlight Saturday night was on Bridge Street as merchants opened their stores, offering snacks and drinks to shoppers and a lighted boat parade took to the water of…
December 13, 2018
By Tom Vaught
Christmas for Kids

Deserving kids celebrate on the beach

ANNA MARIA – The weather on Wednesday, Dec. 12 was perfect for the Lawton Chiles Christmas for Kids. It was sunny and just cool enough to make it feel like Christmas; and it was an early Christmas…
December 11, 2018
By Tom Vaught
chamber tree lighting music

Crowds celebrate in Holmes Beach

HOLMES BEACH – It was a celebration of community and the start of the holiday season as residents and visitors alike gathered for the annual lighting of the Christmas tree at the Anna Maria Island Ch…
December 4, 2018
By Tom Vaught
bethlehem walk joseph mary

Bethlehem Walk draws a crowd

ANNA MARIA – The cool temperature Sunday evening was perfect for a walk around the block, and that’s what a group of worshippers did as they celebrated Roser Community Church’s Annual Bethlehem Walk…
November 21, 2018
By Tom Vaught

Island business awards announced

CORTEZ – It was a bittersweet honor for John Horne on Friday night at the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Ceremony and Board of Directors Installation at the Seafood Shack. Rot…
November 20, 2018
By Tom Vaught
Bethlehem Walk

Relive Christmas at the Bethlehem Walk

ANNA MARIA – The Roser Community Church Bethlehem Walk will be held at the church at 512 Pine Ave. starting at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 2. The annual Christmas event is an opportunity to re-enact…
November 20, 2018
By Tom Vaught
Lester Family Fun Day 2017

Old-fashioned family fun for the holidays

ANNA MARIA – A family tradition is returning to The Center of Anna Maria Island just in time for the holidays. The 17th Annual Lester Family Fun Day, sponsored each year by Holmes Beach residents…
November 13, 2018
By Tom Vaught
artsHOP

ArtsHOP draws crowds

HOLMES BEACH – The final night of artsHOP was a huge success, as participating stores, art galleries and cash registers were busy. At Waterline Marina Resort and Beach Club, Joanne Coke was painti…
November 13, 2018
By Tom Vaught
Symphony on the Sand

Beach alive with sounds of music

BRADENTON BEACH – Clear skies, minimal red tide and the sounds of music from the Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra (AMICCO) made for a perfect evening last Saturday. The all-inclusive ti…
November 13, 2018
By Tom Vaught
Island Players Baggage

‘Baggage’ is a madhouse

ANNA MARIA – Over the past 70 years, the Island Players have produced some unusual plays, and “Baggage” by Sam Bobrick is among the most unusual. Two bags switched at an airport, the “baggage,” we…
November 6, 2018
By Tom Vaught
symphony on the sand 2017

Symphony on the Sand nears

BRADENTON BEACH – On Saturday, Nov. 10, the Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra (AMICCO) will be seated under a giant tent to perform its sixth annual Symphony on the Sand, a musical and g…
November 6, 2018
By Tom Vaught

Get your tickets for ‘Baggage’

ANNA MARIA – It’s a story about loves lost and one that seems impossible. The Island Players are selling tickets to “Baggage,” by Sam Bobrick, directed by James Thaggard and co-produced by Bortell…