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Sarasota Magazine

December 2025

2025 Insiders' Guide

Dream days. Perfect getaways. Plus: Parks for everyone, what's next for St. Armands Circle, inside the new Mote SEA, our local gift guide, a treasure trove of historic local artifacts, food news and more.

In this issue:

Arts & Entertainment

Final Frame

Ki Woon Huh Creates Fantastical, Colorful Pottery

A Sarasota resident since 2000, Huh emigrated from Korea, where he was awarded the title of National Treasure.

12/09/2025 By Lauren Jackson

On a High Note

La Musica Marks Its 40th Anniversary With Bigger Audiences, More Concerts and a Timely World Premiere

The venerable festival has succeeded in attracting new and wider audiences, thanks in large part to the extension of its season, presenting more frequent concerts for patrons.

12/01/2025 By Kay Kipling

Eat & Drink

Inspired by History

Sarasotans Have Been Publishing Their Recipes Since the Early 1900s. We Tried Two.

One of them, “Orange Short Cake," is as much a showstopper today as it was 111 years ago.

12/01/2025 By Lauren Jackson

Privacy, Please

Exclusive Private Clubs Are on the Rise, Including These Five Posh Sarasota Spots

The country club isn’t dead, but it’s got competition.

12/01/2025 By Lauren Jackson

Fashion & Shopping

Gifts Galore

Our Last-Minute, Ultra-Local Holiday Gift Guide

From foodies to fashionistas, these locally made gifts are perfect for anyone on your list.

12/23/2025 By Megan McDonald

Home & Real Estate

Pocket Pools for Paradise

Cocktail Pools Prove Luxury Can Be Fun-Sized

These pocket pools are designed for lingering, sipping and cooling off in the shallows. 

12/01/2025 By Kim Doleatto

News & City Life

Saving the Colson

A Black Landmark From the Days of Segregation Is Being Reborn as a Civic and Cultural Hub

The Colson was more than a boarding house. For the city’s Black residents and visitors during segregation, it offered something rare and profound: safety, dignity and belonging.

12/02/2025

Treasure Trove

At the Sarasota County History Center, You'll Find Fascinating Historical Objects

What do MacKinlay Kantor's crutch, a Sara De Soto pageant crown and a pointy pen used by Gov. Cary Hardee in 1921 all have in common?

12/02/2025 By Kay Kipling

The New Mote

Inside the New Mote SEA

Mote’s brand-new Science and Education Aquarium (SEA) rises at Nathan Benderson Park.

12/02/2025 By Megan McDonald

In Their Own Words

Lifelong Newtown Resident and Organizer Valerie Buchand on Perseverance and Hope

"We need people willing to fight, not for profit, but for justice. That’s what I would tell young people: Be ready for the challenge, but do right. Always do right.”

12/01/2025 By Kim Doleatto

Sea Change

What Does the Future Hold for St. Armands Circle?

As storms intensify and sea levels rise, St. Armands Circle weighs its future.

12/01/2025 By Kim Doleatto

Travel & Outdoors

Flashback

Photo: Winter in Sarasota, 1940

Joseph Janney Steinmetz captures a classic "why-we-love-living-here" moment.

12/02/2025 By Megan McDonald

Water World

Ditch the Car for a Stress-Free, Fresh-Air Ferry Ride to Anna Maria Island

If this doesn’t sound idyllic, then you’ve never driven a car to Anna Maria.

12/02/2025 By Brian Cohen

Parks for Everyone

Get Outside and Explore Our Welcoming Parks and Preserves

The region has a wealth of these restorative spaces to enjoy, no matter your passion. Here are 10 to explore.

12/01/2025 By Kendall Southworth

Dive Into Resort Life

Unplug and Recharge at These Five Local Resorts

We found five resorts for different budgets and tastes that offer convenience, comfort and beauty.

12/01/2025

Dive Into Resort Life

Downtown, Beach or Golf Course, The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota Pampers Guests in Signature Ritz Style

Twenty-four years after it opened, the Ritz remains a place to see and be seen—and to escape.

12/01/2025 By Megan McDonald

Dive Into Resort Life

For the Ultimate in Luxurious Pampering, Look No Further Than St. Regis Longboat Key Resort

The St. Regis has brought a new level of luxury and wealth to our region—and reminded us of everything we’ve always loved about living here.

12/01/2025 By Megan McDonald

Dive Into Resort Life

The Resort at Longboat Key Club Embodies History and Beachy Luxury

The resort sits on the sprawling Gulf-front site of John Ringling’s planned Ritz-Carlton Hotel and lives up to its venerable history.

12/01/2025 By Kim Doleatto

Dive Into Resort Life

Soak up Affordable Relaxation and a Whole Lot of Family Fun at Zota Beach Resort

The four-star resort opened in 2017 with on-site dining, a pool bar, private cabanas, watersports and beachfront access.

12/01/2025 By Lauren Jackson

Dive Into Resort Life

Lido Beach Resort Stands the Test of Time

Built in 1969, the resort has attracted visitors from around the world for decades.

12/01/2025 By Lauren Jackson

At Sarasota Magazine, we celebrate Sarasota’s vibrant culture, rich history, and bright future with award-winning, high-quality content that captures the spirit of our community.

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