Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 1st of January.
Good morning, Sarasota.
🏘️ Community
A photo story by the Sarasota/Siesta Key Observer recapped 2025 by showing snapshots of community events like airport expansions, festive parades, cultural shows, and local traditions.
The feature highlighted how neighbors came together over a year full of memorable moments.
Retorria 'Torri' Clark, a Sarasota mother facing eviction after her car was repossessed and rising living costs, received emergency rent assistance from Season of Sharing provided by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County as she pursues nursing classes.
The program helps local families meet urgent expenses.
Since June 2025, Ken Jokisch and Alexis LaRocca of the Downtown Sarasota Alliance have boosted downtown by launching a back-to-school drive in July and starting a monthly road cleanup on Ringling Boulevard (the initiative may expand).
They invite residents, business owners, and government officials to join free networking events.
📰 Real Estate
A Longboat Key mansion (Serenissima) set a new record by selling for $30.3 million on July 31, 2025, in Sarasota County.
The 19,300 sqft Venetian-style home went under contract 25 days after its June 5 listing.
🎉 Sarasota Events
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Justin Layman Live Performance
5-9 p.m. — Swordfish Grill — Tickets available — Experience the unique blend of Folk, Rock, and R&B by Sarasota's own singer-songwriter Justin Layman.
Blue Man Group: North American Tour
7 PM — Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall — Cost TBD — Dive into a thrilling blend of captivating music and interactive art with the Blue Man Group.
Bri Rivera Live Performance
5-9 p.m. — Marina Jack — Visit Artist's Website — Experience the vibrant sounds of Bri Rivera, a talented musician with roots in Puerto Rico.
Justin Layman: Open Mic Night
5:30-9:30 p.m. — 3 Bridges Brewing — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of original music blending Folk, Rock, and R&B by local talent Justin Layman.
Mystical Visions Concert
6-10 p.m. — Marina Jack — Free entry — Enjoy a night of captivating pop/rock hits from a talented female fronted band.
Birdwatching Guide at Celery Fields
3:30-5:00 p.m. — Sarasota Audubon Nature Center — Registration required — Discover essential birdwatching skills while enjoying the natural beauty of the Celery Fields.
Bri Rivera Live Performance
5-9 p.m. — Marina Jack — Free entry — Experience the vibrant sounds of Bri Rivera as she brings her Puerto Rican roots to the local music scene.
Ryan Faraday Live Performance
5-9 p.m. — Marina Jack — Entry details unavailable — Experience the vibrant sounds of professional guitarist and songwriter Ryan Faraday as he performs live.
Château Lafon-Rochet Winemaker Dinner
6:30 p.m. — Mimi Brasserie and Speakeasy — $139 per person — Indulge in a stunning winemaker dinner featuring exquisite Bordeaux wines and a multi-course culinary experience.
Florida Native Plant Gardening Workshop
10 AM – 12 PM — Sarasota Audubon Nature Center — Free entry — Discover the importance of native plant gardening and learn to incorporate them into your home landscape.
🏠 Sarasota Real Estate
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💼 Sarasota Job Board
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📣 Sarasota Announcements
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