Good morning, Sanford.

Rick Berman, executive director of the Ram Veterans Foundation, has launched a website that ranks veteran charities by reviewing financial data to guide local donors toward groups that spend donations carefully.

The site examines information from the 100 largest nonprofits—highlighting those with less than 10% overhead and warning against others with high administrative costs.

On a cold Veterans Day, Peter Durante, a 101-year-old World War II veteran, sang 'God Bless America' at a ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park in Sanford.

The wind carried his voice through downtown as local veterans and families gathered to honor his service.

Sanford city commission approved a rezoning plan for the historic Mayfair hotel on East 1st Street to become a Christian missionary training center with office space and 46 apartments (owners plan to invest $15 million to $30 million and construction will begin in January 2027 and finish by year’s end). The project will preserve the building’s historic look and honor conditions for public access during business hours.

We Call It Ballet: Sleeping Beauty Dance & Light Show

6:30-7:30 p.m. — The Ritz Theater/Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center — Tickets from $147 — Experience an unforgettable performance blending ballet with a captivating light show.

Asian Lantern Festival: Into The Wild

6-10 p.m. — Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens — Tickets required — Explore a vibrant display of handcrafted lanterns and seasonal offerings at this enchanting festival.

Trucks Gone Wild Tug of War

5-11:59 p.m. — The Barn in Sanford — Cash only at the gate — Witness epic truck tug-of-war battles to crown the ultimate champion.

16th Annual Turkey Day 5K

7:40 a.m. — Fort Mellon Park — Registration fee applies — Celebrate Thanksgiving with Sanford’s biggest fun run featuring a costume contest and complimentary treats.

Paws & Claus 2025

10 AM – 2 PM — Fort Mellon Park — Free entry — Celebrate the holiday season with family-friendly pet adoptions and festive fun at the annual Paws & Claus event.

Cookies & Milk with Santa and Mrs. Claus

11 a.m. – 3 p.m. — Dees Brothers Brewery — Free entry — Celebrate the holiday season with cookies, milk, and photo opportunities with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Fast Track to Java 17 and OOP Training

8 a.m. - 5 p.m. — Global One Training Group — $2250 — Master Java 17 and object-oriented programming in an intensive five-day course.

An Intimate Evening with David Foster and Katharine McPhee

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience beloved hits performed by a Grammy-winning musician and an acclaimed Broadway star.