Sunday, December 21st, 2025
Good morning, Sarasota. Here's your local news at a glance for Sunday, the 21st of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Sue Wertman, the longest-serving bellringer at the Publix on Longboat Key, raised funds for The Salvation Army last Wednesday while continuing 12 years of service organized by the Kiwanis Club. She also supports local programs such as the church's Reading Buddies. Observer
- ➤ Students at local schools in Lakewood Ranch sent heartfelt letters to Santa detailing unique holiday wishes — from roller skates and barbies to a dirt bike. The tradition at Gilbert W. McNeal, Robert E. Willis, and Lake Manatee K-8 brings festive cheer to the community. Observer
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ An iconic Sarasota bar will stage an immersive holiday pop-up experience this December, transforming its space for festive seasonal cheer. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission said low levels of red tide were detected offshore Manatee County with background concentrations reported in Hillsborough and Monroe, and experts are using satellite imagery to monitor Karenia brevis along the Gulf Coast. ABC 7
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Sarasota Memorial Hospital’s Kolschowsky Research and Education Institute is inviting adults with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer to join two global clinical trials that test a gene therapy to help boost the immune system — the ABLE-22 and ABLE-32 trials are held at multiple sites and offer non-surgical treatment options. Observer
-
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.
-
Bri Rivera Live Performance
5-9 p.m. — Marina Jack — Visit Artist's Website — Experience the vibrant sounds of Bri Rivera, a talented musician with roots in Puerto Rico.
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
I write to discover what I know.
~ Flannery O'Connor
About Daily Sarasota
Welcome to the Daily Sarasota, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Sarasota, Florida community. If you like the Daily Sarasota, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Sarasota.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Sarasota and across Florida. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Daily Sarasota
A free Sarasota community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://dailysarasota.com/sitemap