Good morning, Sarasota.

Local residents are fighting to save six Sarasota landmarks as community members rally around historic sites; plus a Venice dad is receiving support from Season of Sharing to build a better future.

The League of Women Voters of Sarasota County will host its annual holiday luncheon featuring former Herald-Tribune publisher Diane McFarlin on Dec.

12 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 at Stoneybrook Golf and Country Club (8801 Stoneybrook Blvd.), where she will share insights on combating misinformation in modern media.

Today, downtown Sarasota hosts its annual Holiday Parade beginning at 7 p.m. at Main St and U.S. 301 (street closures are in effect until 12:30 a.m. Sunday) and ending at J.D.

Hamel Park (vehicles not removed risk towed action).

Brian Raetz, a 71-year-old retiree from North Port, risked eviction when a costly car repair stopped his side income—but Season of Sharing covered his back rent and eased his immediate housing crisis.

Sarasota Art Museum reopens its Young at Art program for adults this winter, hosting creative classes in ceramics, leather journal making, fused glass, and acrylic painting.

The first session ran Dec. 1-5 and spots remain for the second session Dec. 8-12 (offering options for both beginners and experienced artists).

On Friday, Dec. 5, Sarasota County held a ribbon-cutting at the Bee Ridge wastewater treatment plant, which now treats 18 million gallons per day using state-of-the-art membrane bio reactor technology.

The improvements removed nitrogen and phosphorus to help reduce algae blooms in local bays.

EPA data from Dec. 5 shows that many drinking water systems nationwide contain unsafe PFAS levels including Florida communities such as Palm Springs, Key West and Holiday—experts advise residents to filter water and limit exposure from fast-food packaging and nonstick cookware.

Tonight, the full Cold Moon will rise at 6:19 p.m. along our coast and look extra large when positioned with familiar landmarks; later, it will join bright Jupiter in the eastern sky.

Pending approval, a Naples developer’s high-rise project may force demolition of the historic U.S. Garage at 330 S.

Pineapple Ave, built in 1924 and renovated in 1984, which many believe is key to downtown’s charm & local petitions seek its preservation. The community awaits a decision.

Sarasota Station, a new affordable housing project (202 units, 104 affordable) at 2211 Fruitville Rd, will break ground in January using HUD grant funds.

The 7.8-acre site will have studios, one- and two-bedroom apartments plus community amenities for residents earning 80% or below the median.

Venice High cross country runner Nolan Heaney was named the Herald-Tribune Boys Athlete of the Week for Nov.

10-15 after winning 57.83% of the vote and finishing a 5K in 15:53.7. He aims to improve his performance and pursue a college running career.

Venice High cross country runner Atarah Robinson was recognized as the Herald-Tribune's Girls Athlete of the Week for Nov.

10-15, 2025 after finishing third in the 4A-3 regional 5K race in 17:31.6 (43.13% vote).

FHSAA state semifinals took place Friday, Dec.

5 at local fields with Booker, Cardinal Mooney, and Venice one win away from championship game berths — Booker played Jacksonville Raines for Class 3A, Cardinal Mooney hosted Cocoa for Class 2A, and Venice faced Lake Mary for Class 7A.

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.

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.

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.

Scott Curts Live Performance

5-9 p.m. — Marina Jack — Entry info not specified — Experience eclectic live music from a talented singer-songwriter accompanied by his loyal canine friend.