- July 26, 2024
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Julia King pours Patrón Tequila for Cedric Sullivan, Kyle Wilkinson, and Eduardo Stefonias on May 5, 2023, at Circo's street fest.
Photo by Ian SwabyLissette and Joel Santiano dance at the El Melvin event
Photo by Ian SwabyJoe Fleming, Ginny Wezwick, Lee Herron, Carol Herron, and Tamar Hurwitz-Fleming sit down for drinks at the Circo event.
Photo by Ian SwabyPerry and Nancy Minas at the Fresh Fridays event.
Photo by Ian SwabyJoseph Scully, Lea, and Kathy Scully at the Fresh Fridays event
Photo by Ian SwabyElba Agusti, Maria Valdez, Margarita Recio, and Nicole Garreado at the Fresh Fridays event
Photo by Ian SwabyJospeh Russell of State Street serves Bill and Kathy Waddill at the Fresh Fridays event
Photo by Ian SwabyLesly Soto of La Makeup Artistry paints the face of 9-year-old Grace Dendy at the Circo event
Photo by Ian SwabyCristian Raygoza and Steven Wertheimer at the Fresh Fridays event
Photo by Ian SwabyAllen Paquin applauds Sierra Paquin as she blends a lemonade cocktail for Jessica Brugick at the Circo event.
Photo by Ian SwabyJulia King pours Patrón Tequila at the Circo event.
Photo by Ian Swaby7-year-old Olivia Dendy and 9-year-old Grace Dendy at the Circo event
Photo by Ian SwabyAmber Myers prepares to make a toss in beer pong at the Circo event.
Photo by Ian SwabyFormer American Idol finalist Jonathan Cortez served as a DJ and singer at the Fresh Fridays event.
Photo by Ian SwabyBlaze of Hope member Claudia Viamonte at the Circo event.
Photo by Ian SwabyJohn Scieszinski and Diane Blake dance at the Fresh Fridays event.
Photo by Ian SwabySummer Blanco of AzulSRQ offers up tacos at the Fresh Fridays event
Photo by Ian SwabyLive music is offered at the El Melvin event.
Photo by Ian SwabyKristin Love and Amanda Salois fetch some drinks at the Fresh Fridays event
Photo by Ian SwabyYvonne Gonzalez dances at the Fresh Fridays event
Photo by Ian SwabyBruce Ratliff, Kristi Ratliff, Joe Begley, and Kim Begley at the El Melvin event
Photo by Ian SwabyFormer American Idol finalist Jonathan Cortez provides entertainment at the Fresh Fridays event.
Photo by Ian SwabyDiane Lane had the chance to do something a little different during Sarasota's Cinco de Mayo celebrations on May 5 — stroll down the city streets with a drink in hand.
“It’s great, so great, to see Sarasota so vibrant on a holiday, with three different venues,” she said.
The holiday saw multiple block parties, including the 2nd Street Carnival at Circo, a Tex Mex restaurant; the monthly Fresh Fridays event; and the Cinco de Mayo Block Party by El Melvin Cocina Mexicana.
Joseph Grano, president of Next-Mark, which hosts Fresh Fridays, said the goal of the event is to bring people downtown, make them aware of the amenities there, and involve them in the community while offering live entertainment not typically seen in Sarasota.
Talent present at the event included Jonathan Cortez, a former "American Idol" finalist.
“This is an amazing night,” he said. “We have a very elevated experience for people and they're enjoying the music, and they feel like they're part of the downtown community.”
The night was also a chance to better the community. The Circo event benefited the charity Blaze of Hope, which provides funds to families with children suffering from life-threatening medical conditions.
“It’s a great way to spend a Friday,” said the group's president, Shawn Platt. “What an unbelievable place to have a block party and have the support of the vendors and the support of the local charities.”
“Love it — absolutely love it, said Cameron Richardson, who was attending the Circo event with his wife Katie Richardson. “I just think we need a bigger event and to shut down more roads. I like to dance, and she does after a couple of margaritas. And it goes until midnight — I like that, too.”