🍦Thank You For Year 1!

Happy Tuesday, Sarasota!

Happy New Year!

New Year’s is a time for reflection and 2025 was the first year of the Sarasota Scoop.

In our first year, we’ve grown from 0 readers to over 3,500. I’ve really enjoyed putting together the newsletter each week & have grown closer to the area as a result.

Thank you all for being part of the journey.

If you want me to continue for a second year, let me know in the poll below.

Thanks for reading,

Carson

PS - This week will be another abbreviated issue with the NYE focus, but I’ve added even more NYE events.

🧠 Think You Know Sarasota? Trivia!

📰 Local Headline Roundup

Lakewood Ranch’s Santa Marks 50 Years of Spreading Christmas Cheer

Rich Vannucci has been playing Santa around Lakewood Ranch for fifty years and still loves it. He got hooked as a kid after catching Santa under his own Christmas tree and carried that joy into his first Santa role in 1975. The suit his mother made him then is still part of the tradition and somehow looked bright red again this year after years of fading.

Over decades Vannucci has learned that spreading happiness matters most and even started a nonprofit to help children and families beyond Christmas. His wife Bonnie helps behind the scenes and says he simply is Santa.

Selby Gardens Builds for the Future Without Losing Its Roots

Selby Gardens is moving full speed on big improvements that respect what makes it special. Its second phase of renovations focuses on resilience, education and preserving its world-class plant collections while making the experience more welcoming and accessible to visitors.

The plan includes a hurricane-ready Conservatory Complex, a new Learning Pavilion for programs and school groups, expanded garden spaces and better paths throughout the grounds. This work grows out of a strategic master plan that has already boosted membership, visitor numbers and fundraising success while protecting priceless botanical treasures for the long term.

New Years Eve Activities 

Downtown Sarasota New Year's Eve Pineapple Drop

📍Main Street, Downtown Sarasota | 🕦 1pm | 🔗 details 

New Year's Eve Gala

📍Marie Selby Botanical Gardens | 🕦 6pm | 🔗 details    

Glow into the New Year!

📍Art Ovation Hotel | 🕦 7:30pm | 🔗 details     

Sharky's New Year's Eve Beach Bash

📍Sharky's on the Pier | 🕦 7:30pm | 🔗 details 

New Year's Eve at Waterside Place

📍Waterside Place, Lakewood Ranch | 🕦 7pm | 🔗 details

New Year's Eve Celebration

📍The Green at UTC | 🕦 7pm | 🔗 details 

New Years Eve Black & White Party

📍The Big Tiki Lounge | 🕦 8pm | 🔗 details 

Mad Hatter NYE Party

📍The Grove | 🕦 9pm | 🔗 details 

Westin Sarasota New Year’s Eve Soirée

📍Westin Sarasota | 🕦 9pm | 🔗 details

Rufa's Sparkling New Year's Eve Party

📍Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota | 🕦 9pm | 🔗 details

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