Daily
Sarasota
Wednesday, December 17th, 2025
Good morning, Sarasota. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 17th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Holiday House SRQ provided free holiday shopping experiences for five elementary schools from Dec. 8-10, welcoming 2,500 students & adding 500 new attendees as gift costs rose to $15,000 per school. The nonprofit will assess a sixth school as it continues to persevere in supporting holiday traditions. Observer
- ➤ On Dec. 13, low-income families joined Sarasota's Shop with a Cop event by riding buses with police to Target for a $150 gift card pairing that brought 125 children's Christmas wish lists to life. Donations continue to be accepted (via the housing authority website). ABC 7
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Goodwill will open on Longboat Key tomorrow, Dec. 18, at 3160 Gulf of Mexico Drive with a ribbon-cutting+book signing by local author Beth Rice and a book giveaway. The new 3,500 sqft donation drop-off and used bookstore will create seven local jobs and welcome customers at 8 a.m. Observer
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Temple Emanu-El's religious school visited Aviva Senior Living on Dec. 14, letting kids create dreidels and crafts with residents to celebrate Hanukkah together, a cherished annual event that builds community and honors Jewish values. Observer
- ➤ Broadway veterans and local talent will perform 'A Very Broadway Christmas' at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall on Dec. 22, bringing festive musical numbers and tap routines to Sarasota audiences. Local high school students join the production (which includes returning headliners) to spread holiday cheer. Observer
- ➤ Maria Calegari, a former NYCB principal, is staging Balanchine’s 'Mozartiana' at the Sarasota Ballet’s Program Three on Dec. 19-20 at the Sarasota Opera House. The production will feature principal dancers and talented young artists plus borrowed costumes from the Royal Birmingham Ballet. Observer
- ➤ 14-year-old violinist Himari will debut with Sarasota Orchestra in its Masterworks: Pictures at an Exhibition program (featuring Max Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1) on February 16-18. Audiences can enjoy a once-in-a-generation performance from the rising talent. Sarasota Magazine
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Risen Savior Lutheran Church is expanding its academy to K-8 students, with its new education building breaking ground on Jan. 11, 2026 in Lakewood Ranch — a move to offer local families a quality setting with small classes for growing students. Observer
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ A new guide ranks 10 standout dining spots for Sarasota locals, featuring restaurants like 83 Tavern on S. Tamiami Trail & Casa Masa in Siesta Key. The list covers budget-friendly options and upscale venues offering comfort fare and innovative dishes. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Between Dec. 1 and Dec. 5, residential real estate in Lakewood Ranch saw a top sale at The Lake Club when a home sold for $5.45 million. Trustees Patrick + Mary Mulva handled the five bedroom + five and a half bath property with nearly 6,000 sqft living space. Observer
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Bo O'Daniel earned Sarasota Athlete of the Week honors after scoring the first touchdown in Cardinal Mooney's title-clinching victory over Jacksonville Bolles (he totaled 103 yards on seven receptions) to secure his team's second state championship in three seasons. Observer
- ➤ The Sarasota Sailors Boys Basketball team improved to 8-0 after wins against Riverview and undefeated Charlotte last weekend, and Coach B.J. Ivey praised their brick-by-brick approach + academic excellence as they prepare for upcoming tournaments. ABC 7
- ➤ Sarasota Paradise Soccer Club has released its 2026 schedule for its inaugural USL League One season with 34 regular season games and four USL Cup group matches. The team will play at Premier Sports Campus at Lakewood Ranch starting March 7 and concluding Oct. 24, with season ticket memberships available. Sarasota Magazine
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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.
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Bri Rivera Live Performance
5-9 p.m. — Marina Jack — Free entry — Experience the vibrant sounds of Bri Rivera, a local sensation from Sarasota with Puerto Rican roots.
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