Daily
Sarasota
Tuesday, December 16th, 2025
Good morning, Sarasota. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 16th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Since April, the Children's Entrepreneur Market has given kids a chance to learn business skills and sell crafts at events like the Phillippi Farmhouse Market, where 36 young sellers set up booths on Nov. 26; the nonprofit plans to host a market monthly in Sarasota (and nearby areas Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, Venice). Observer
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Venice Symphony performed a 1950s-era big band setlist of Christmas tunes on Dec. 12 at St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church in Longboat Key. The lively concert featured songs by Elvis Presley & Ella Fitzgerald and drew an enthusiastic crowd. Observer
- ➤ Katherine Michelle Tanner of Tree Fort Productions will debut her play 'Notes From the Dashboard' at The Crossings at Siesta Key mall from Jan. 9 to Jan. 25. The play uses six classic car themes (including a vintage red Chevy) to explore a cross-generational friendship and recovery bond. Observer
- ➤ On Monday, Dec. 15, Sarasota Military Academy students honored Lt. Bernard, a WWII and Korean War veteran preparing for his 100th birthday in February — the musical performance celebrated his lifelong love of music. FOX 13
- ➤ Holidays at The Bay on Dec. 13 featured a Holiday Hula theme where families enjoyed Hawaiian leis, crafts with the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation (and Ringling Museum of Art), sack races, and seasonal storytelling with Mr. Stevey while Santa Claus greeted kids at the event. Observer
- ➤ Sarasota County celebrates Chanukah with events that begin on Dec. 14 and run through Dec. 22. Visitors may join the Chanukah Concert at Downtown Wellen Park from 6 to 8:30 p.m. or enjoy family activities including a snow slide and helicopter show at Phillippi Estate Park on Dec. 14. ABC 7
- ➤ The 39th Annual Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade will take place Sunday evening along the waterfront as decorated boats cruise past to celebrate the holiday season. ABC 7
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Visit Sarasota County says the high season is underway as increased tourism supports over 28,000 jobs and lowers household taxes. Data shows 2.7 million visitors + $3.6 billion in economic impact, highlighting quality travel that benefits residents. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Benderson Development is planning a 52-acre mixed-use project in Wellen Park that will add 500,000 sqft of retail, dining and services near downtown + construction will begin in late 2026 or early 2027 as plans move forward. Sarasota Magazine
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Herald-Tribune poll for Boys Athlete of the Week sponsored by Central Florida Behavioral Health Network highlighted nominees from local sports for Dec. 8-13, including basketball, soccer, and football candidates. Game statistics (submitted by Sarasota and Manatee coaches) supported online voting until 10 a.m. Friday. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Open Mat at TeamAlves
6-7 a.m. — TeamAlves Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu school — $20 mat fee for non-team members — Grapple and practice techniques in a welcoming environment.
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Justin Layman Concert
12-4 p.m. — Deep Lagoon Seafood & Oyster House — Free entry — Enjoy a relaxing afternoon with live music from Sarasota's own Singer/Songwriter Justin Layman, blending Folk, Rock, and R&B.
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
The greatest good you can do for another is not just to share your riches but to reveal to him his own.
~ Benjamin Disraeli
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