Good morning, Sarasota.

A private jet owned by NASCAR champion Gregg Biffle, scheduled to depart Sarasota for the Bahamas, crashed in North Carolina Thursday morning, killing all on board (including Biffle and his family) as authorities investigate the accident.

Ace Hardware in Sarasota provides last-minute holiday shopping with its ‘Ready in 15’ service — customers can get online orders in 15 minutes, use flexible Affirm payments and enjoy Ace Rewards perks including a free $10 e-gift with a $50 gift card through Dec.

24.

Sailor Circus Academy students will perform the Winter’s Dream show from Dec.

26 to Dec. 29 to display their circus skills for local audiences. The largest troupe in years features 150 youth performers from Sarasota’s premier youth circus program.

On Jan. 30 (7:30 pm) and Jan.

31 (2:30 pm, 7:30 pm), Sarasota Orchestra presents its first Pops concert of the season at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. Conductor Evan Roider and vocalists Kelli Rabke, Scott Coulter and Jessica Hendy will celebrate Broadway classics, including hits from Wicked and Cats.

Homes at 2834 Browning St and 3059 Jamaica St are bright with festive holiday lights today as animated figures + themed decor offer local residents a vibrant seasonal display.

Nearly 2,000 people attended the 11th annual PINC Experience from Dec.

11-13, including a sold-out conference at the Sarasota Opera House, an outdoor dinner, and a festival in the Rosemary District with murals, BMX stunts plus holiday markets. It showcased creative ideas that deepened community connection in Sarasota.

Braden River High School held River Wonderland on Dec.

8, a festive holiday event organized by the Student Government Association. The celebration featured Christmas inflatables, lights, a petting zoo, and games run by student clubs.

Visit Sarasota County expects visitor numbers to stay flat in 2026 while spending remains above pre-pandemic levels.

The tourism office received $8.1 million in tax revenue & will use these funds to boost promotions for sports events and hotel stays that enrich the community.

Lottery players in Sarasota may join the buzz as the Powerball jackpot climbs to an estimated $1.5 billion — the fifth highest in U.S. history, with the next drawing scheduled for Saturday, Dec.

20. Tickets remain available at local gas stations, Publix, and Walmart, though odds stay 1 in 292.2 million.

Sarasota and Manatee counties rejected two charter school co-location requests by Somerset and Mater operators at several public campuses last November.

The rejections (issued amid a state-wide application process) mean the companies now have an appeals process before the state education board makes a final decision.

Sarasota County approved $13.5M for a project to upgrade stormwater systems in St. Armands Circle after past flooding by hurricanes Debby and Helene; the project will upgrade pumps, tidal valves & generators to protect local businesses.

Flu season in Florida is peaking as the holiday season unfolds, and health officials urge residents to get a flu shot—ideally by the end of October—to reduce risks.

Local pharmacies such as Walgreens, CVS, and Publix offer vaccination options with insurance benefits and affordable rates.

Between Dec. 1 and 5, top real estate sales in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Palmer Ranch, Osprey, and Nokomis showed market strength with a Cocoanut Bayou home selling for $7.2 million and other transactions ranging from $550,000 to $3.7 million.

Sales featured homes and condos with pools and multiple baths.

Six Division I collegiate softball teams will compete at the inaugural Sarasota College Softball Classic, held Feb.

11-14, 2027, at the new 17th Street Park Regional Sports Complex in north Sarasota County (the facility is set to be completed in Dec. 2026).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Justin Layman Live Performance

5-9 p.m. — Swordfish Grill — Tickets available — Experience the unique blend of Folk, Rock, and R&B by Sarasota's own singer-songwriter Justin Layman.