Good morning, Sarasota.

Dr. John Brothers became the new President and CEO of the Barancik Foundation on Dec.

1 and said he will work closely with local community members to solve issues through listening and trust+based philanthropy. He brings decades of experience managing large philanthropic funds from his time at T. Rowe Price.

1000 NORTH club’s second location at the BLVD Sarasota building received partial city approval on Dec.

17. Co-founded by Michael Jordan and other pro athletes, it will offer fine dining, private lounges, and luxury transport for up to 200 members and select guests.

The Sarasota Art Museum presents Radical Softness, an exhibition that spotlights Janet Echelman's 40-year career with full-scale pieces and small models (showing her creative process), and it will run through April 26.

Sarasota's arts scene recovered from hurricane flooding after the Van Wezel reopened Jan.

1 with upgrades to electrical systems while summer concerts were cancelled. New projects broke ground at Florida Studio Theatre and the Sarasota Orchestra are moving ahead (including a planned $400M Music Center) as veteran leaders planned retirements.

Mama G’s German Bakery and Coffee House is a family bakery serving authentic breads and pastries at its largest South Tamiami Trail location since fall 2024.

It offers sourdough rye bread, seasonal treats, and German lunches on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday (a nod to time-honored traditions).

Firefighters advise that on New Year's Eve, residents should use fireworks safely by following manufacturer directions and keeping water or a fire extinguisher nearby — burn bans in Sarasota and surrounding areas restrict open burning.

Annie's Bait & Tackle, a waterfront restaurant that opened in 1955, closed earlier this year in Cortez.

It was one of 17 local dining spots that shuttered, marking a loss to the area's classic Old Florida dining scene.

Top residential real estate sales this year include a $10.35 million property in Siesta Key and a $9.5 million sale in Harbor Acres, with significant transactions in Palmer Ranch, Osprey, and Nokomis — highlighting a robust market in our area.

Sarasota Square Mall has been demolished as part of a major redevelopment plan unveiled downtown, and construction is scheduled to begin soon.

Sarasota County’s 2025 luxury residential market saw a record $30.3 million all-cash sale of La Serenissima on Longboat Key — the highest to date — amid increased inventory and softened price levels, with top transactions clustering on barrier islands.

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.

Mystical Visions Concert

6-10 p.m. — Marina Jack — Free entry — Enjoy a night of captivating pop/rock hits from a talented female fronted band.

Birdwatching Guide at Celery Fields

3:30-5:00 p.m. — Sarasota Audubon Nature Center — Registration required — Discover essential birdwatching skills while enjoying the natural beauty of the Celery Fields.

Bri Rivera Live Performance

5-9 p.m. — Marina Jack — Free entry — Experience the vibrant sounds of Bri Rivera as she brings her Puerto Rican roots to the local music scene.

Ryan Faraday Live Performance

5-9 p.m. — Marina Jack — Entry details unavailable — Experience the vibrant sounds of professional guitarist and songwriter Ryan Faraday as he performs live.

Château Lafon-Rochet Winemaker Dinner

6:30 p.m. — Mimi Brasserie and Speakeasy — $139 per person — Indulge in a stunning winemaker dinner featuring exquisite Bordeaux wines and a multi-course culinary experience.

Florida Native Plant Gardening Workshop

10 AM – 12 PM — Sarasota Audubon Nature Center — Free entry — Discover the importance of native plant gardening and learn to incorporate them into your home landscape.