Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 13th of December.
Good morning, Sarasota.
🎭 Culture
Victor DeRenzi, the longest-serving artistic director in the world, will step down from Sarasota Opera at the end of his contract in May after a 44-year reign.
Richard Russell will assume additional artistic director duties in June 2026 as the company readies its centennial celebration.
🎓 Education
Andy Harshman, leader of Sarasota High's MaST Research Institute, was named Sarasota County Teacher of the Year 2026 on Thursday night.
He will represent district educators in state competitions while receiving a $6,000 cash award.
Lakewood Ranch High School revived its science fair after more than 10 years, organized by chemistry teacher Alexandra Wilcoxson, with 15 students presenting projects ranging from health research to environmental studies.
All participants will compete on Jan. 23 at the Bradenton Area Convention Center (a regional contest event).
🌲 Environment
Christine Johnson, president of Big Waters Land Trust, works to blend community interests with environmental care in Sarasota.
The trust aims to create spaces where both people + wildlife can thrive.
📰 Real Estate
A recent study by HomeToGo named Englewood as the most affordable town for snowbirds—offering $64 median nightly rental prices and winter highs near 75 degrees.
The beach town also features local parks and shops along Dearborn Street.
Shore Restaurant may return to St. Armands with a three-story mixed-use project + retail space, dining and eight residential units, replacing the location that closed after 2024 floods.
A pre-application conference is set for Dec. 17 as city staff meet with developers to discuss next steps.
After Sarasota Square Mall was demolished on Dec.
12, Torburn Partners and Jamestown will start redevelopment of the site into a mixed-use project with retail underway and residential ground breaking set for early 2026. Planned tenants include Whole Foods Market + HomeSense + Chipotle.
🏈 Sports
High school sports in Manatee and Sarasota featured intense games in basketball, soccer and weightlifting from Dec.
8–13 — teams like Sarasota Christian excelled with standout plays by Justin Brock and Selah Spenn. Scores highlighted competitive local talent.
Booker High basketball player Kennedy Guy was named Herald-Tribune Girls Athlete of the Week for Nov.
17–29 after averaging 13.8 points in a 3-1 start and scoring 20 against Sumner; she aims to win a state championship this season + her interview details her early start and memorable buzzer-beater.
🎉 Sarasota Events
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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.
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.
Bri Rivera Live Performance
5-9 p.m. — Marina Jack — Free entry — Experience the vibrant musical talents of Puerto Rican artist Bri Rivera in Sarasota.
Ryan Faraday Live Performance
5-9 p.m. — Marina Jack — Check for ticket info — Experience the music of guitarist and vocalist Ryan Faraday, a prominent figure in Sarasota's local music scene.
Scott Curts Live Performance
5-9 p.m. — Marina Jack — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of eclectic tunes and loop styling with renowned Sarasota-based musician Scott Curts.
🏠 Sarasota Real Estate
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📣 Sarasota Announcements
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