Daily
Sarasota
Thursday, December 18th, 2025
Good morning, Sarasota. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 18th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Mothers Helping Mothers held its annual Toy Day at Bob Boast Volkswagen in Bradenton, giving more than 4,000 toys + 232 bikes to 400 families in need this holiday season. The event eased local mothers' stress as they prepared for a festive Christmas. ABC Action News
- ➤ The interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS will pass 170 million miles from Earth on Dec. 19, offering Sarasota residents a chance to view it with a small telescope (spot it in the east-northeast pre-dawn sky near Regulus in Leo). Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- ➤ Judy Bland (88) has served as a Salvation Army bell ringer for 16 years (11 a.m. to 7 p.m. six days a week) to support the Red Kettle fundraising campaign in Manatee County, upholding a cherished holiday tradition. ABC 7
- ➤ The New Barker magazine has grown from pet lifestyle content to an animal advocacy platform that influences local laws and funds welfare efforts. Editor-in-chief Anna Cooke said the change has seen the publication aid campaigns like ending greyhound racing and support shelter groups + raise funds for animal causes. ABC 7
- ➤ Gulf Coast Community Foundation launches Invest in Incredible, a program that offers free and low-cost workshops in Sarasota and Venice to help nonprofits improve their operations. The initiative plans an expanded 2026 calendar of sessions to build leadership skills and enhance fundraising efforts. Sarasota Magazine
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport finished $200 million in upgrades in 2025 with a new concourse, upgraded baggage systems and fresh dining options, and it is planning a $250 million parking deck and expanded baggage claim to start in early 2026 — measures intended to boost service for record passenger numbers. Observer
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Residents in Sanctuary at River Club (a community in Lakewood Ranch) hired a trapper and dogs to reduce wild hog damage to yards; the effort follows repeated costly repairs from the ongoing sightings of the animals. Observer
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ City of Sarasota repaired a 60-foot+ leaning osprey perch on City Island last week after Hurricane Milton’s winds shifted it 80 degrees, allowing birds to perch safely near Ken Thompson Park. Observer
- ➤ Longboat Key is working to transform Gulf of Mexico Drive into a complete street that supports cars, bikes and pedestrians — the town completed improvements at the south end with the Country Club Shores Turn Lane project and will next work on a Broadway Street roundabout and a PD&E study. Observer
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Beth Breeden bought a Whitfield Estates home in April that was once a short-term rental and has kept its midcentury style with terrazzo floors and murals by local artists. The one-level house is set to host guests and small gatherings. Sarasota Magazine
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Coach Jared Clark has turned Cardinal Mooney's football program around since 2020, guiding the Cougars to two state championships after years of losing seasons. The team now features key returning seniors and transfers that boosted its record since 2023. Observer
- ➤ Lakewood Ranch High's boys soccer Mustangs hold a 9-0-1 record after 10 games as of Dec. 14 — they hope to build on a regional finals appearance, where they lost 3-1 to Mitchell, to contend for the state title. Observer
- ➤ ABC7 Athlete of the Week Talia Busser of Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School is sidelined with an injury and remains committed to the Lady Cougars as she recovers and prepares to play for Newberry College (her team hopes to improve their early season performance). ABC 7
- ➤ The Florida High School Athletic Association finalized next year’s football districts on Dec. 17, 2025, shifting Cardinal Mooney to Class 3A District 12 and intensifying its local rivalry with Booker. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
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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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New Year's Eve Celebration at Indigenous
5-11 p.m. — Indigenous Restaurant — $150 — Celebrate the new year surrounded by exquisite food and wine crafted by Chef Steve.
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
Freedom is what you do with what's been done to you.
~ Jean-Paul Sartre
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