On November 16, the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall put on its first-ever mainstage, sensory-friendly production with the holiday favorite Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical. Open to all, the production was tailored to be especially welcoming to people with autism, sensory and communication disorders and learning disabilities, without changing the artistic integrity of the show.

“It also happens to be really good for families with toddlers and young children,” says Justin Gomlack, director of education and community engagement at the Van Wezel. “We make small modifications to some elements of the show that might be sensory overload, but even more so, we make a lot of modifications to the audience experience to create an environment that is more conducive to someone with those sensitivities to enjoy the show.”

Creating that sensory-friendly environment entails a number of different adjustments to the theater space. Gomlack and his team turned up the lights to a higher level than normal, audience members were free to leave and enter the auditorium as they pleased throughout the show and a “no-shushing” rule was in strict effect. Additionally, a “know-before-you-go” video was sent out to patrons before the show, prepping them for everything to expect during each stage of the show, from entering the building to the final bow from the performers. “We wanted audience members to be able to make as much noise as they’d like, because people’s engagement looks different depending on who you are. We also created a quiet room in our lounge, which was a space where someone can go if it’s getting a little too loud or they’re having too much sensory overload,” says Gomlack. “We decked that space out with all sorts of sensory tools and soft, squishy things, and made the space quiet, with low lighting to help people regulate. We made noise-reducing headphones and fidget toys available to the guests as well.”

Although this was the Van Wezel’s first mainstage, sensory-friendly production, Gomlack is hopeful that this will be a practice the organization will continue to implement in the future. For parents with neurodivergent children or even neurotypical toddlers, going to the theater can become an insurmountable task. Productions like this one at the Van Wezel offer the opportunity to enjoy a show, while removing the barriers of traditional audience etiquette or sensory overload. “Many parents of the neurotypical toddlers were just so grateful to be able to feel included. Those families that did have sensory needs that were in the house were just very grateful to enjoy live theater in the same way that everyone else does,” says Gomlack. It’s something that is quite rare and I’m hoping that this is only the beginning.”

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota 

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For thousands of families across Sarasota and DeSoto counties, rising costs and cuts to federal food and health assistance have made it harder than ever to put food on the table this holiday season. Each year, nearly 220,000 people in our community rely on All Faiths Food Bank — hardworking parents, seniors on fixed incomes and children who deserve to experience the joy of a holiday meal. With community support, All Faiths Food Bank will provide 4.1 million holiday meals to neighbors in need through its annual ThankFULL campaign, filling tables — and hearts — across the region. “We believe food is a basic human right and that no one in our community should go hungry,” said All Faiths Food Bank President and CEO Nelle S. Miller. “We encourage everyone to join us in ensuring our neighbors can sit down to a warm, comforting holiday meal.”

Learn more or make a gift at allfaithsfoodbank.org/thankfull. 

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Three Sarasota County educators received a surprise visit Friday morning when the annual Teacher Tribute Bus Tour rolled up to their schools with big news—they’re this year’s finalists for Sarasota County Teacher of the Year. This year’s finalists are: Becky Hoffman, Pine View School, 5th grade teacher, Holly Pisaturo, McIntosh Middle School, Art teacher, Andy Harshman, Sarasota High School, AP Capstone Research, AICE Global Perspectives A Level, and Experimental Science Honors (MaST Research Program Director). The celebratory bus tour, organized by the Education Foundation of Sarasota County in partnership with Sarasota County Schools, included district administrators, past Teachers of the Year, sponsors, school board members, and Education Foundation patrons and staff. The group traveled on a bus donated by All Around Charters & Tours, making three stops to surprise the honorees with flowers, cheers, and applause from students, colleagues, and family members.  The district’s Teacher of the Year will go on to represent Sarasota County Schools in the Florida Department of Education Teacher of the Year Program throughout 2026.

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Join us in celebrating the mission of Embracing Our Differences at two special events this season! We’re thrilled to introduce our Inaugural St. Petersburg Luncheon as we deepen our mission in Pinellas County, and we’re equally delighted to welcome back our signature Annual Sarasota Luncheon. Together, these inspiring events fuel our transformative educational initiatives, promoting kindness and respect across Pinellas, Manatee, and Sarasota counties.

Inaugural St. Petersburg Luncheon: Friday, December 5,The Mahaffey Theater.

Sarasota Annual Luncheon: Friday, February 20, The Ora.

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Registration is now open for the 37th annual Gulf Coast Games for Life, Senior Games. Open to amateur athletes aged 50 and older as of Dec. 31, 2026, the event features 16 competitions offering fun, fellowship and fitness opportunities in January and February, throughout Sarasota and Manatee counties. The games are a collaborative effort between Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources, Manatee County Sports & Leisure Services and the City of North Port Parks and Recreation. The event kicks off with the 5K Road Race on Jan. 17, 2026, with additional events running from Jan. 24 through Feb. 21, 2026. For more information, call 311 or visit SarasotaCountyParks.com.  

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The Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County announces the relaunch of Culture Collective, a membership program designed to make arts and cultural experiences accessible and affordable for young adults. The program offers members exclusive access to performances, exhibitions, workshops, and cultural events throughout Sarasota County for a low monthly fee – less than the cost of a single dinner out. Culture Collective addresses a critical gap in arts accessibility, particularly for young professionals, newcomers to Sarasota, and culture-curious residents who want to explore the region's rich arts scene without the commitment of traditional season subscriptions or the expense of individual tickets. The membership model provides flexibility and variety, allowing members to discover new venues, art forms, and experiences across dozens of participating cultural organizations and behind-the-scenes experiences with artists and performers, and curated monthly recommendations tailored to members' interests. Members also receive special discounts at partner venues for additional tickets, making it easy to bring friends and introduce them to Sarasota's cultural offerings. For more information about Culture Collective and the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County's initiatives to make arts accessible for all, visit www.sarasotaarts.org or call 941-365-5118. 

The Sarasota Players invite you to a night bursting with heart, hope, and an electrifying rock score with Jonathan Larson’s RENT at The Crossings on Siesta Key (3501 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, Fl 34239) running Dec. 3 through Dec. 14.   

Sarasota Jewish Theatre (SJT) is pleased to present Josephine Phoenix in her one-woman show “Between Coconuts and Concrete,” January 3 at 7:30 p.m. and January 4 at 1:30 p.m. at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N. Orange Avenue in Sarasota. For more information and to reserve seats, visit SarasotaJewishTheatre.org. 

Coastal Orthopedics, a full-service provider of comprehensive orthopedic surgery, sports medicine, spine care, diagnostic imaging and physical therapy service, recently announced that Dr. Daniel Lamar, board-certified orthopedic surgeon who specializes in sports medicine, was recently recognized as Physician of the Month by the nurses at HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors Hospital. The award honors physicians who make a significant impact on the lives of patients and colleagues at the hospital, as well as their dedication to community service and work in the OR. In addition to assisting local student-athletes, Dr. Lamar previously spent 10 years with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He currently works with the Baltimore Orioles and serves as the orthopedic consultant for the Tennessee Titans. His duties include providing care to players in game, reviewing orthopedic injuries throughout the year, both in and out of season, and providing team service at the NFL combine for draft analysis related to orthopedic injuries.