Daily
Sarasota
Tuesday, December 23rd, 2025
Good morning, Sarasota. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 23rd of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ On Dec. 8 at Christ Church of Longboat Key, Hope Seeds volunteers led by Ann Quackenbush packed 5,000 cilantro and 1,400 onion seed packets as they work toward reaching 500,000 since 2016 + the group will celebrate 10 years next February with donor matching available through Christmas. Observer
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Former Adeline chef Drew Adams now leads the kitchen at CW Prime at the St. Regis Longboat Key, where he crafts a new menu featuring local ingredients such as Gulf seafood and Florida citrus. Observer
- ➤ This year, Sarasota's top food stories featured vibrant farmers markets with seasonal picks, quick recovery of coastal restaurants after storms, a family restaurant relocation to Ringling Boulevard, and a new working farm next to McIntosh Middle School — highlighting a dynamic local food scene. Sarasota Magazine
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Students at three local schools wrote letters to Santa earlier this month, sharing Christmas wishes that ranged from moving toy ducks + meeting a famous baseball player to hoping for more time with family and friends. The letters capture the spirit of the holiday season in Sarasota. Observer
- ➤ Kelly Lile of Garden Elementary School received the Sarasota County Teacher of the Year Innovation Award at the Ignite Education Teacher of the Year celebration held on Dec. 11, and her creative classroom methods—such as the Decimal Diner and book tastings—continue to inspire her 4th-grade students. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Mote Marine released two rehabilitated manatees, Sleet & Cabbage, into Florida waters after months of care. This conservation milestone marks a proud step in helping local wildlife thrive. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Longboat Key will break ground on a new library that will honor U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan and his wife, Sandra. Sarasota County commissioners accepted a donation ($1M) on Dec. 16, with construction scheduled to begin in 2027 on the Town Center Green. Observer
- ➤ U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan announced yesterday the winners of the 16th annual Fire and Rescue and EMS Awards (honoring distinguished service) for first responders. Awardees include teams from Manatee, Hillsborough and other counties recognized for their dedicated work in keeping the community safe. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Several local restaurants in Sarasota, Bradenton, and nearby communities will be open on Christmas Day to offer festive menus for brunch and dinner—reservations and pre-orders are recommended as seating may be limited. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Render Legacy Trail (450-unit rental community) opened in early December near Legacy Trail in Nokomis, with 40% of apartments leased. Residents enjoy outdoor amenities and easy access to a long recreational trail as development reshapes South Sarasota. Sarasota Magazine
- ➤ In November, single-family home sales in Sarasota County surged and prices dropped to $457,495 while condo sales fell amid rising inventory — prompting buyers to ask detailed questions about home conditions and flood risks ahead of high season. Sarasota Magazine
- ➤ Benderson Development and Kimley-Horn held a workshop on the adaptive reuse of the county administration building on Ringling Blvd next to Laurel Park, proposing a mixed-use campus with office and retail space (a Comprehensive Plan amendment is due by year-end to allow up to 10 stories). Sarasota Herald-Tribune
-
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.
-
Justin Layman: Open Mic Night
5:30-9:30 p.m. — 3 Bridges Brewing — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of original music blending Folk, Rock, and R&B by local talent Justin Layman.
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
The role of a writer is not to say what we all can say, but what we are unable to say.
Know who said this? Send us an email!
Reveal the authorAbout 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