Good morning, Sarasota.

Esplanade’s Foolishly Festive Christmas Parade was held on Dec.

9 to support Toys for Tots and the Lakewood Ranch High School band as co-founders Charlie Shachat and Bill Wolfe marked their final parade and encouraged new neighborhood volunteers to keep the tradition.

Jeaneen Williams from Bradenton received help from Season of Sharing that covered her $1,700 truck repair after the transmission failed, ensuring her transportation remains reliable for work and home.

The Community Foundation of Sarasota County administers the program + local residents continue to benefit from such support.

Traffic slowed today after a fire near Sarasota Memorial Hospital began around 11:40 a.m., and crews in Longboat Key are working to fix a stuck drawbridge that may cause a 30-minute delay.

Nine decorated Christmas trees are on display this holiday season across local spots including Bradenton Beach, downtown Sarasota, Selby Gardens, and St. Armands Circle.

The festive displays bring cheer to our community (the Siesta Key tree is not featured this year).

Students in Bay, Franklin and Union counties ended classes on Dec.

19, starting their Christmas break with planning and work days that morning. In most districts including Sarasota, the holiday break began on Dec. 22 and classes will resume on Jan. 6.

Mote Marine released its first two rehabilitated manatees back into Florida waters on Friday, Dec.

19. The effort marks a key conservation step as the organization works to restore wildlife health locally.

Florida does not tax Social Security benefits, AARP reports, keeping the state tax-friendly for retirees and older workers.

More than 5 million residents receive these benefits, while federal taxes may apply based on income & prompting continued support for seniors.

Sarasota County has begun a multi-phase dredging project to remove sediment from Phillippi Creek over seven miles from the creek’s mouth to South Beneva Road, aiming to reduce flooding during heavy storms.

Phase one will run for six months to protect nearly 45,000 homes & 2,108 commercial properties.

The Florida Department of Transportation will start work on Jan.

13 to replace eight modular speed humps with asphalt speed tables at St. Armands Circle using overnight lane closures from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. — Weather conditions may affect the 12-day project.

Sarasota boys basketball had a late lead at the City of Palms Classic on Friday, Dec.

19 but lost to Imhotep 54-42 — they also lost their opener to Archbishop Stepinac and will face another opponent on Tuesday, Dec. 23.

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.

Blue Man Group: North American Tour

7 PM — Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall — Cost TBD — Dive into a thrilling blend of captivating music and interactive art with the Blue Man Group.