Good morning, Sarasota.

On Friday, Jan. 2, SPD hosted a Three Kings Day toy drive at 1500 N.

Orange Ave. to hand out Toys for Tots gifts to local children and families — strengthening trust and community connection ahead of the holidays.

Reopening a longtime restaurant on St. Armands Circle, Nōnnō Umberto began its soft opening the first week of January under new ownership.

Co-owners Amber Mayner & Simone Salustri welcomed over 250 diners on opening night and plan to offer a new menu featuring Italian seafood dishes.

Sarasota was ranked No.6 on Travel + Leisure magazine’s list of best Southern retirement spots today — the only Florida beach town to earn the honor due to its vibrant arts, beautiful beaches, and excellent healthcare.

A luxury home near St. Armands is listed for $9 million.

The 5-bedroom, 8-bath property at 1418 John Ringling Parkway in Lido Shores offers nearly 5,600 sqft with upscale finishes + views of Sarasota Bay on a 0.28-acre lot.

Freshman guard Gaby Bichanich was named East County Athlete of the Week after she scored 18 points in back-to-back games on Dec.

9 and 11, helping her team The Out-of-Door Academy lead in scoring. She is averaging 15.1 points per game this season.

The Herald-Tribune held its annual Boys Athlete of the Week poll sponsored by Central Florida Behavioral Health Network for the holiday period from Dec.

15 to Jan. 3. Nominees include athletes from local schools and coaches sent in weekly stats to help readers vote online by 10:00 a.m. Fridays.

The Herald-Tribune launched a poll sponsored by *Central Florida Behavioral Health Network* that invited readers to vote for the Girls Athlete of the Week covering Dec.

15–Jan. 3, featuring standout local athletes like Paisley Binswanger and Nikki Olupitan. Online voting was available each Monday until 10 a.m. on Friday.

The Herald-Tribune Girls Athlete of the Week nominees were announced for Dec.

15 to Jan. 3 (sponsored by Central Florida Behavioral Health Network) to honor local girls for outstanding athletic performance. The recognition celebrated young talent in our community during the festive season.

Sarasota’s sports scene surges in 2026.

The Senior PGA Championship is set for April 16-19 at The Concession Golf Club as Sarasota Paradise kicks off its first USL League One season on March 7 at Premier Sports Campus, and a new Athletics and Aquatics Center opens in late summer.

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.