It’s the most wonderful time of the year in Sarasota! Not because of snow or sweaters, but because this is when our city truly comes alive. The markets are full and buzzing, citrus is glowing, oysters are sweet, and the days feel just cool enough to linger a little longer at the table. As winter visitors return and locals savor the pause from summer’s heat, Sarasota settles into its most delicious rhythm. Farmers harvest their best crops, chefs experiment with the most local of ingredients, and we all celebrate the flavors, people, and traditions that make this season so special.
If this gorgeous cover (thank you, Carissa Warfield!) doesn’t say it all about seasonality in Sarasota, we’ll let the broccoli do the talking, from the good earth of Arcadia. At Mondragon Farm, Julio Mondragon has transformed five acres of sandy soil into a place of extraordinary abundance: rows of frilly cilantro, crisp lettuces, and winter greens glowing under honeyed light. Rooted in generational knowledge and guided by an unwavering commitment to flavor, nourishment, and care of the land, his work reminds us that the most meaningful food is grown with intention.
Comfort food in Florida winter is lighter, brighter, and deeply seasonal. Cooler days invite us back to the oven and into some of the best ingredients of the year. These recipes take familiar favorites and adapt them to our climate: crisp potato and corn torte, gently braised chicken with apples and brandy, and a grapefruit posset that celebrates citrus at its peak. Comfort, Sarasota- style—warm, elegant, and in season. A heartfelt thank you to Charlotte Abrams for so beautifully embracing the flavors of the season.
In this issue, we head From the Gulf to meet Damon Moore—known locally as the “Oyster Bear”—whose unlikely blend of persistence, passion, and ingenuity is reshaping how ecological restoration happens in our region. What began as one man wading into forgotten reef remnants has grown into a landscape-scale effort to restore oysters to the Manatee River, powered by community hands and a breakthrough idea born as much from necessity as imagination. Moore’s story is a reminder that environmental change doesn’t always come from polished plans or perfect conditions but sometimes from people willing to step in, speak up, and build something lasting, even when the outcome isn’t guaranteed.
This issue also spotlights a group of women whose leadership is quietly reshaping Sarasota’s nonprofit landscape. From collective giving and cultural inclusion to animal welfare and permanent housing solutions, their work reflects a shift away from one-size-fits-all philanthropy toward deeply personal, community-rooted change. Their paths differ—some built organizations from scratch, others stepped in to guide established institutions with new energy—but each is driven by a willingness to push boundaries, challenge assumptions, and meet real needs head-on. Together, their stories offer a clear snapshot of what breakthrough leadership looks like in Sarasota right now.
As always, thank you for reading, cooking, gathering, and supporting the farmers, fishers, makers, and storytellers who nourish our region. May this issue inspire you to eat seasonally, and to savor every bright, beautiful bite.
Happy New Year,
Tracy Freeman
Editor, Edible Sarasota
