Good morning, Sarasota.

Sarasota welcomes a busy 2026 with community events including a stamp exhibition, century anniversary car parade, unity walk, reptile show, shell festival, music and comic events, easter egg hunt, fireworks + holiday parade from Jan. to Nov.

Sarasota schools resumed classes on Jan.

6 as students across Florida returned after winter break, with one county reopening on Jan. 8 (the last to start). All will have Martin Luther King Jr. Day off on Jan. 19.

Four hospitals in Manatee-Sarasota joined Forbes’ 2026 Top Hospitals list — Sarasota Memorial earned a five-star rating while Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, its Venice campus and HCA Florida Doctors Hospital were praised for clinical outcomes.

Florida health officials noted very high flu activity as the CDC reported a 33% rise in cases nationwide, with 11 million infections recorded this season; Sarasota residents are advised to watch for symptoms such as fever, chills, and cough and get a flu shot at local clinics if needed.

A very large live oak tree on Laurel Street — just east of Orange Avenue and Burns Court — will soon be removed to clear space for a new senior living complex, marking a change in downtown Sarasota’s landscape.

A new resort-style luxury community is coming to Lakewood Ranch and will offer modern living amenities to future residents.

Project details such as the construction timeline and design specifications have not yet been released.

Lakewood Ranch High boys hockey team remains undefeated in the Lightning High School Hockey League with a 13-0 record.

Coach Peter Sibner said the Mustangs won 8-3 against Jesuit as they scored six unanswered goals and took 45 shots despite missing top scorer Chase Koski.

Sarasota’s sports scene in 2026 will see local athletes eyeing Olympic winter dreams, top youth rowers competing at Nathan Benderson Park from June 11–14 & Cardinal Mooney football rebuilding for a potential dynasty while a new sports complex at 17th Street Park is set to boost local softball.

The Herald-Tribune is launching a monthly poll to honor Sarasota and Manatee high school sports teams by tallying coach submissions and team stats.

Voting runs until 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 14 with nominees including teams such as Cardinal Mooney and Lakewood Ranch.

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.