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Happy Tuesday, Sarasota. In today’s edition: Florida Studio Theatre’s expansion, a Downton Abbey screening, a Christmas tree lighting, and more.

Let’s get to it — Cait Baker

📰 In the news

Expansion gains new momentum: Florida Studio Theatre received an anonymous $1 million gift and launched a matching challenge for the under construction McGillicuddy Arts Plaza, including two cabaret theaters, dining spaces, and a lobby — read the full story.

Crackdown on neglected boats: Sarasota Police removed a long-abandoned 26-foot boat from Hudson Bayou to be crushed for disposal. The owner faces a nuisance charge and costs, with license holds if unpaid — learn about penalties and options.

Sprawl debate intensifies: After Hurricane Debby’s flooding last year, Lakewood Ranch’s rapid subdivision growth is drawing scrutiny. At Thursday’s Manatee County commission meeting, officials clashed over whether new developments worsen flood risks — read the full story.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

Identity theft is up 25%: Last year, Americans lost $12.5 billion to ID theft & fraud, and the stories behind those numbers are brutal. My friend just told me his dad’s on his fourth replacement credit card. Other folks have woken up to empty bank accounts or their personal info dumped online after a breach. Aura catches these kinds of attacks early by monitoring for new accounts, weird money movements, leaked data, and other red flags so you’re alerted before things blow up — learn more about it here.

Highlights this week

• Experience the magic of A Celtic Christmas
• Enjoy Sarasota’s sparkling holiday boat parade
• Celebrate Holiday Hula at The Bay
• Support local makers at holiday market
• Buffet holiday brunch with Santa Claus
• This pet insurance plan reimburses up to 90%
• A tiny hearing aid is taking the US by storm

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Fresh harvests, premium blends: TeBella Tea Company has opened a charming street-side shop in the Rosemary District after years at UTC. The family-owned boutique pours more than 100 loose-leaf teas at a made-to-order bar (think matcha and London Fog lattes), with rotating seasonal sips. Owner Abigail StClair eyes organic growth and a second Sarasota spot. Read the full story.

Fresh bites and openings: Restaurant roundup: Mimi Brasserie & Speakeasy has opened in Southside Village (Adeline’s former spot) with a more laid-back, comfort-food vibe. The Parrot Live has taken over Big Top Live’s space, with Smokin Momma serving since Nov. 29. Oar & Iron is expanding with a third Florida location in Parrish, Bowled Co. opened in Wellen Park, and a Chipotle is planned on SR 64. See what’s opening and where.

Winter pints, Sarasota edition: Warm up with Big Top Brewing Winter Red Ale, a seasonal pour showing spruce-kissed citrus, a malty core of toasted caramel with a hint of brown sugar, and a piney, grapefruit-leaning finish. Ideal for Florida’s almost-winter evenings.

Thinning hair? Same: I’ve been shedding a lot, and recently noticed my ponytail feeling thinner. After way too much panic-Googling, I decided to take Hers’ online quiz. They recommended a Biotin + Minoxidil green-apple gummy for regrowth and overall hair health. The whole thing was surprisingly easy: just verify who you are and a licensed provider signs off. Here’s the quiz if you want to check it out.

Makeup that actually works: My sister and I were talking the other day about how the makeup we used in our 20s… just doesn’t work now that we’re in our 30s and 40s. Laura Geller’s entire makeup line addresses this shift, with formulas that smooth, brighten, and actually stay put. If you’re in the same boat, their curated kits are worth a look.

📆 Around town this week

All events are subject to change without notice. This is entirely outside our control. Please check official event pages and social media for the most up to date information.

This week

♻️ Let’s Make Some Black Gold! @ UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County | Wednesday (12/10) at 5:00pm – Turn kitchen scraps into garden bragging rights at UF/IFAS’s composting workshop. Indoor lessons, outdoor demos, biogas and vermicomposting, plus an optional GEOBIN for $25, or free if you skip the bin. Register with UF/IFAS, skip the sketchy third-party sites, and let your tomatoes thank you.

🎬 Cinema at The Bay | Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale @ The Oval at The Bay | Thursday (12/11) at 7:00pm – Feel like catching aristocratic drama without ironing a tablecloth? The Bay is screening Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, free and outdoors under the stars. Pack a chair, a sweater, and your best Maggie Smith side-eye, and your couch will forgive you.

🎲 Charity Bingo Night… for SPARCC @ 99 Bottles Taproom & Bottleshop | Thursday (12/11) at 7:00pm – Bring your lucky dauber, we’re playing bingo for a cause that actually matters. Expect gentle trash talk, satisfying squares, and money raised for SPARCC, the kind of win that feels good, looks good, and does good, all without awkward gala small talk.

🎅 Free Friday Night Dance Party & Santa Cause Toy Drive @ Sahib Shrine Auditorium | Friday (12/12) at 6:00pm – Clear the calendar and hit Sahib Shrine for David and Meredith’s last Friday Night Dance Party, and yes, it’s free. Bring a new, unwrapped toy for Santa Cause to help Safe Children Coalition kids on the Suncoast, then dance like rent is cheaper.

🍹 Second Fridays Creative Happy Hour @ Art Center Sarasota | Friday (12/12) at 6:00pm – Second Friday at Art Center Sarasota means creative happy hour where you’ll make holiday cards that don’t look panic-bought at Publix. Drop in for block printing, stamping, and collage, wear your ugliest sweater for a prize, and it’s free for members, $15 for New Friends.

This weekend

🎨 Family Art Making @ Ringling Education Center | Saturday (12/13) at 10:00am – Bring the kids to make art inspired by a piece from The Ringling, see it in the galleries. It is free, includes museum admission, and gets you into the Circus Museum, but snag tickets early, they’re online two weeks out. Walk-ins welcome as space allows.

🏺 Sarasota Clay Company Annual Holiday Pop-Up Market @ Sarasota Clay Company | Saturday (12/13) at 10:00am – Whether your gift list is short, or you’re shopping for that cousin who “doesn’t need anything,” this holiday pop-up corrals Sarasota’s makers under one roof at Sarasota Clay Company. Expect handmade pottery, jewelry, art, plants, live music, tasty bites, and actual cheer.

🤝 United For Relief @ Sarasota County Fairgrounds & Robarts Arena | Saturday (12/13) at 11:30am – Weekend at the Sarasota Fairgrounds means two days of reggae for Jamaica, featuring Burning Spear, Kabaka Pyramid, Third World, Luciano, Yellowman, and a yet-to-be-named headliner. Two stages, steady grooves, lawn-chair comfort, and plenty of space to dance, sway, or supervise.

🎄 Newtown 9th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony @ Fred Glossie Atkins Park | Saturday (12/13) at 5:30pm – Newtown’s brightest tradition is back, and you’re invited to cozy up under the glow of the Christmas tree with the whole neighborhood. Sip hot cocoa, let the kids loose on festive activities, and soak up live music and holiday cheer as the lights flip on.

❄️ Frozen @ Manatee Performing Arts Center | Sunday (12/14) at 2:00pm – Bring the kids, the grandparents, and your patience for earworms, because Frozen is hitting the stage with all the songs you secretly belt in the car. A local youth and volunteer cast powers the magic, sparkling costumes, and heart. Go cheer the hometown heroes.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🎶 Live music & entertainment

• 12/9 Nathan’s Honor Dog Rescue @ University Town Center – 6 pm
• 12/9 Come From Away @ Asolo Repertory Theatre – 7:30 pm
• 12/10 Justin Layman @ Siesta Key Oyster Bar – 1 pm
• 12/10 Ryan Faraday @ Marina Jack – 5 pm
• 12/11 Scott Curts @ Marina Jack – 5 pm
• 12/11 The Leaving California Tour @ Big Top Live – 7 pm
• 12/12 Bri Rivera @ Marina Jack – 6 pm
• 12/12 Oigan al Señor @ Strobes Event Center – 8 pm
• 12/13 Flip Flop Republic and more @ Sarasota Fairgrounds – 11:30 am

🏠️ This house is wild

Listed by: Alexis Ainslie Brown (ROBERT SLACK LLC)

2019 single-level coastal home, 3,000 square feet on over 20,000 square feet, with 180-degree Sarasota Bay views. Interiors feature tongue and groove cypress ceilings, impact glass, and a chef’s kitchen. The primary suite brings dual baths and walk-in closets, plus oversized guest suites.

A screened lanai, heated pool and spa, and sunsets for days. Private dock and lift for no-bridge Gulf access, a three-car garage, generator, and 14-foot elevation where flood insurance is optional. West of Trail in Historic Ballentine Manor near IMG and SRQ, with $35 voluntary HOA and Sara Bay Country Club culinary perks.

Take a peek inside →