Daily
Sarasota
Friday, December 5th, 2025
Good morning, Sarasota. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 5th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Sarasota Police warn that vehicles parked curbside along Main Street will be towed at the owner’s expense if left during road closures starting Saturday at 7 a.m. for the holiday parade beginning at 7 p.m. Observer
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Selby Gardens will debut its annual 'Lights in Bloom' display on its downtown campus from Dec. 6 through Jan. 3, featuring over two million lights plus a tree with dragonflies and train ornaments. Phil and Carolyn Babas added new mushroom accents to refresh the holiday look for families. Observer
- ➤ Venice continues to draw locals and visitors as Dr. Harry Maisch from FGCU documents 45 shark species in the area, including extinct varieties and a rare Columbian Mammoth tooth. Local beachgoer Mariah Morgan shared that she and her children quickly found their first tooth on a routine search. ABC 7
- ➤ Sarasota Cuban Ballet is set to perform The Nutcracker today at the Sarasota Opera House, with dancers from ages four to fifty blending Cuban techniques with Tchaikovsky's classic score. The one-night performance offers a unique cultural celebration for local audiences. ABC 7
- ➤ Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is set to launch its Lights in Bloom display tomorrow (Dec. 6) in downtown Sarasota. The display will run on select nights until Jan. 3. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Malysa Johnson of Triad Alternative School teaches English through art and field trips to museums, theaters and historical sites; she earned $500 from Carl Reynolds Law and will reinvest the funds in classroom supplies. ABC 7
- ➤ Laurel Civic Association is planning to build a new 48,000 sqft center that will offer tutoring, meal services, art, music, and STEM programs. The nonprofit will close on the land in March 2026 to expand support for its 176 students and waitlisted kids. Observer
- ➤ Mote SEA opened its new STEM Workforce Development Labs on Dec. 4, 2025 — offering hands-on training and internships for students pursuing marine science careers at the Mote Science Education Aquarium in Sarasota. The labs, part of a 146,000 sqft facility, focus on projects and collaboration with local schools. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Longboat Key police chief Russ Mager launched a monthly video series titled 'A Minute with Chief Mager' to share department updates with residents (available on Facebook and Instagram). His approach aims to boost transparency and provide practical information for island living. Observer
- ➤ TSA warned travelers at SRQ to avoid charging devices via public USB ports and using free Wi-Fi for sensitive tasks because hackers could access personal data; officials recommend using TSA-compliant charging options and note extra screenings may occur at the gate. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Doctors at Orlando Health in Pinellas County warn that e-bike and e-scooter injuries are rising, with cases including serious head and internal injuries. St. Petersburg police urge riders to follow traffic rules, wear helmets + reflective gear. FOX 13
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Resilient Roots (launched in November) aids Newtown homeowners with exterior repairs. Funded by grants ($10,000 and $20,000), the program offers 12-year interest-free loans up to $35,000 to preserve historic homes as rising affordable housing demand pushes buyers north from downtown. Sarasota Magazine
- ➤ 1310 S. Lake Shore Drive's luxurious estate is now listed for $26.4 million after a $2M price cut that reflects Sarasota's shifting real estate market (features like gold-leaf gates and Italian marble remain unchanged). The change comes as local home prices adjust amid post-pandemic trends. Sarasota Magazine
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Wheel of Fortune LIVE!
7 p.m. — Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall — Valet parking available — Experience America’s Game® live and spin the iconic wheel.
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Ryan Faraday Live Performance
5-9 p.m. — Marina Jack — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of soulful tunes from a seasoned guitarist and vocalist, Ryan Faraday.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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