Good morning, Sarasota.

A Sarasota couple recovered a $5,000 engagement ring that fell off while they were checking stone crab traps at Point of Rocks last week before Thanksgiving—after posting on social media, a Coast Guard captain dove into the Gulf waters and retrieved the ring, which they called a Thanksgiving miracle.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens broke ground yesterday on a hurricane-resilient glass house complex that will house 20,000 rare plants and include an indoor/outdoor learning pavilion powered by 100% renewable energy+ the project is set to open in 2028 with nearly all of its $56.3 million raised from private donors.

Sarasota Opera artistic director Victor DeRenzi will step down in May after a 44-year tenure, and General Director Richard Russell will add the artistic director role in June.

DeRenzi led the company as it grew into a world-class institution known for performing all of Verdi’s works.

The Sarasota County History Center holds over 15,000 historical items including artifacts from Gov. Cary Hardee and J.

Hamilton Gillespie—visitors can access the collection by appointment until a new 30,000-square-foot center will open adjacent to Fruitville Library in late 2026.

Charlie Berardesco, a retired energy leader who loves the arts, is named the new board president of Sarasota Concert Association—Joy McIntyre stays on the board as she steps down from the top role and the association adds four new members ahead of its 86th season of concerts.

The 37th annual Venice Christmas Boat Parade will set sail Dec.

6 at 6 p.m. in the Intracoastal Waterway, beginning near the Albee Road Bridge and ending before Circus Bridge. Organizers say viewing areas at Venice High School and local parks will open at noon—chairs and blankets may only be set up on the day of the parade.

Hanukkah 2025 starts at sunset on Dec.

14 and ends at sunset on Dec. 22. Florida communities plan celebrations with events such as Sarasota's Hanukkah under the Big Top on Dec. 17 and Naples' community-wide celebration on Dec. 15.

Lakewood Ranch writer Peter Moscovita, 81-year-old, has published seven books that mix history with fiction and earned a Hollywood Book Review for his first novel The Following Storm; his latest book My Journey to You was released Sept.

24.

Mote Marine Laboratory opened its new $132 million Science and Education Aquarium at Nathan Benderson Park in October—inside, visitors saw 1 million gallons of exhibits with sharks, stingrays, otters, penguins and manatees and three STEM labs that offer free learning for local students.

Sarasota Police Department officers—led by Chief Rex Troche—gave free gasoline to customers at three local stores on Giving Tuesday, Dec.

2, as part of a community goodwill initiative funded equally by the Police Foundation and Crime Stoppers of Sarasota County.

Booker High School junior Maleek Lee was named ABC7 Athlete of the Week and will lead his football team in the state semifinals in Jacksonville, facing the same opponent that beat them in 2024.

He received an offer from The Ohio State University and said he is focused on guiding his team to a top finish this season.

Braden River’s girls team leads the local power rankings with a 5-0-1 record—while Riverview shows solid defense at 4-2-1—and both are set for a competitive season in Sarasota and Manatee high school soccer.

Local high school boys soccer rankings show Lakewood Ranch leads with an undefeated 6—0 record as they average 4.5 goals per match while allowing only 4 total goals—Venice follows with a 9—1 record and five shutouts, and Sarasota along with other teams remain competitive early in the season.

Frozen Musical Performance

Dec 4-21 — Manatee Performing Arts Center — Check website for pricing — Discover the enchanting story of Frozen live on stage with spectacular effects and beloved songs.

Cabana Dogs Live Performance

7:30-11:30 p.m. — Freckled Fin Irish Pub — Cover charge may apply — Enjoy high-energy beach rock sounds with a mix of rock, country, and soul.

Yaya Diamond and the Dream Chasers Concert

7:30 p.m. — FSU Center for the Performing Arts — Check website for ticket prices — Experience the musical journey of Yaya Diamond and her talented Dream Chasers.

Boston Marathon & Half Marathon Qualifier in Sarasota

6:30 AM – 12:30 PM — Nathan Benderson Park — Registration fee applies — Aiming to qualify for Boston? This could be your chance to set a personal record on a perfect course.

Inside the Art World

11 AM – 12 PM — Sarasota Art Museum — Free entry — Explore contemporary art trends and insights with expert Elana Rubinfeld in an engaging and informal discussion.

Ryan Faraday Performance

5-9 p.m. — Marina Jack — Check local listings for cost — Enjoy an evening of live music featuring the talented guitarist and vocalist Ryan Faraday.

PINC Experience 2025

8 a.m. – 6 p.m. — Sarasota Opera House — Early bird rates available — A day of world-class speakers and bold ideas sparking Sarasota's creativity.

Open Mat

6-7 a.m. — TeamAlves Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu school — $20 mat fee for non-team members — All welcome for grappling and practicing techniques from the week.

Sarasota's Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl

4:30-9 p.m. — Joe's On Main — Tickets required — Celebrate the holiday spirit in your ugliest sweater while enjoying festive activities and prizes.

Sarasota Half Marathon & 5K

7:00-10:30 a.m. — Nathan Benderson Park — Register for lowest price online — Experience a picturesque run while enjoying the scenic beauty of Sarasota.