Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 10th of December.
Good morning, Sarasota.
🏘️ Community
At the annual awards program of Longboat Key Fire, Chief Paul Dezzi presented a rare Medal of Honor to Aaron Maness for leading a rescue when a vehicle plunged into water in March.
The ceremony honored firefighters & support staff for their heroic efforts.
On Saturday, Dec. 13 from 6 to 8 a.m., the Shop with a Cop event will pair 125 underprivileged kids with Sarasota Police officers at Target on Fruitville Road for a holiday shopping spree + local partners and donors support the program.
The Jewish National Fund-USA held its annual Breakfast for Israel in Sarasota on Tuesday morning, drawing community leaders and national organizations to celebrate resilience and shared heritage (including discussions on educational programs and countering misinformation).
The Historic Preservation Board met at 3 p.m. Tuesday, Dec.
9 at City Hall to consider relocating the nearly 114-year-old George McAlpin house as future owner John Vermeren sought approval to move the structure from Cross Street to the Ethan Allen neighborhood.
On Dec. 7, the Miracle League of Manasota held its first Joanne DiCarlo Christmas Party at Longwood Park to honor the late supporter (a longtime advocate for the league) who helped raise funds and spirits for differently-abled participants.
Nate's Honor launches Kitty City, a new cat wing funded by volunteer Martha McKlveen’s $250,000 donation.
The expanded facility (1,500 sqft compared to 400 sqft) will open in the first quarter of 2026 and aims to help get over 1,000 cats adopted next year.
🎭 Culture
Historic Asolo Theater hosts 'All Is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914,' a production directed by Peter Rothstein that blends archival documents with 30 a capella songs to retell the WWI Christmas ceasefire.
The 65-minute show (set to become a new holiday tradition) is a fresh cultural offering in Sarasota.
The Sarasota Players are staging Jonathan Larson’s musical Rent today under director Brian Finnerty, featuring a live band and theater-in-the-round design that creates a gritty, intimate space for local audiences.
The production highlights themes of community and resilience, giving viewers a fresh take on this classic piece.
🏛️ Government
Following erosion and damage from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, crews began restoring Sarasota parks with repairs including 500 to 600 ft of sidewalks, 1,000 ft of embankment and 600 ft of rip rap to stabilize shorelines, officials said.
📰 Real Estate
The Sarasota County Planning Commission recommended Winchester Ranch, a 9,000-home development on 2,433 acres along North Port near Myakka State Forest.
The project, which includes 200,000 sqft of commercial and industrial space, awaits rezone approval by the board in early 2026 and will break ground in 2027 or 2028.
🏈 Sports
Paisley Binswanger, a senior guard at Sarasota High girls basketball, was named Athlete of the Week.
She signed with Samford in November and now averages 14.2 points — 5.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 3.2 steals per game as she eyes a district championship.
Braden River High School's Jared Stancil has been named ABC7 Athlete of the Month for November after a strong junior season with the Pirates.
He will receive a $500 check from ABC7 and Carl Reynolds Law for his perseverance and achievements.
🎉 Sarasota Events
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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.
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.
Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland
6-9 p.m. — Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall — Check website for pricing — Experience a magical holiday extravaganza with Cirque Musica in Sarasota.
🏠 Sarasota Real Estate
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