Good morning, Sarasota.

On Dec. 8, 2025, the Sarasota Holiday Parade drew a record crowd of 25,000 spectators downtown, with local groups showcasing floats, marching bands and community spirit.

The Greater Sarasota Chamber and local businesses announced staff promotions and appointments, including at Youthful Aging Home Care and The Hermitage Artist Retreat, ahead of a Bradenton EDC luncheon on Dec.

11 and after Watershed restaurants earned a Business Excellence Award + Caldwell Trust opening a Vero Beach office.

Seascape Aquarium & Pet Center in Gulf Gate will celebrate 50 years in business on Dec.

13 and 14 (the store opened in 1975) as new owner David Mask takes over from longtime owner Rick Marot.

Aldi moved its grand opening in Sarasota from Dec.

11 to Dec. 18. The store at Southeast Plaza on Bee Ridge Road will host an 8:45 a.m. ribbon-cutting with gift bags and a chance to win a $500 Aldi gift card for the first 100 shoppers.

A holiday musical, All Is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914, is captivating Sarasota audiences at Historic Asolo Theater with a moving a cappella tribute to World War I + true soldier stories.

Directed by Peter Rothstein, the production runs through Dec. 19 and offers an intimate look at this unique historical moment.

Florida Studio Theatre's annual 'Deck the Halls' production, a local holiday tradition (with elements of both Christmas and Hanukkah), began its Sarasota run on Dec.

6. The show features Santa trying his hand at pickleball and elves offering treats to engage young viewers.

The Hermitage Artist Retreat will host celebrated Hermitage Fellow Joseph Earl Thomas for a reading at Bookstore1 in downtown Sarasota on Dec.

18 at 6 p.m. Guests can register for a $5 fee.

On Dec. 5, Sarasota County cut the ribbon on the Bee Ridge Wastewater Treatment Conversion and Expansion Project, which increased capacity from 12 to 18 million gallons per day and cut nutrient runoff (improving local waters such as Sarasota Bay) on a smaller footprint built for 20 years.

On Dec. 5, Longboat Key Turtle Watch donated nearly $12K to support sea turtle rescue, education and rehabilitation at Mote Marine Laboratory.

The funds will help upgrade stretchers — vital for safely transporting injured turtles from the wild.

Lee Amos (director of land management at the Elling Eide Center) was honored with the 2025 Sustainability Champion: Planet Award at the annual Sustainable Communities Workshop held Dec.

8 at Harvest House in Sarasota. His work protecting 19,569 acres and restoring native plants has strengthened local conservation efforts.

Francesca Bisordi, the first female wrestler from Lakewood Ranch High to qualify for the state tournament, earned East County Athlete of the Week honors.

The junior, under new coach Nate Lancaster, posted a 27-5 record last season and aims to win state by the end of high school.

FHSAA realigned football classes for the 2026–27 season by eliminating Class 7A, which changes districts and regions for Sarasota and Manatee teams.

Local schools have until Dec. 17 to appeal the new alignments, setting the stage for fresh rivalries in upcoming games.

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.

Open Mat Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Session

6-7 a.m. — TeamAlves Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu school — $20 mat fee for non-team members — A great opportunity for grappling and practicing techniques in a welcoming environment.

Live Music with Ben Jacobs

7:30-11:30 p.m. — Freckled Fin Irish Pub — Entry fee not specified — Experience a soulful pop-rock fusion with Ben Jacobs as he delivers an electrifying performance.