- May 18, 2025
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Tampa resident Natasha Eriksen appreciates how fun the community of stilt walking is and works at Busch Gardens and Universal Orlando.
Photo by Madison BierlTampa resident Alannis Peterson of Prism Artistry eats fire at Agave Bandido in Lakewood Ranch.
Photo by Madison BierlLakewood Ranch resident Brenda Ianiro joins Zavio Javier of Dance Fever Sarasota in dance to encourage others to do the same.
Photo by Madison BierlBarley, a 3-year-old pug of Lakewood Ranch partakes in the festivities with her owner Ashley Ferry.
Photo by Madison BierlStilt walker Natasha Eriksen gets down on Lakewood Ranch resident Michele Schweidel's level to share a laugh.
Photo by Madison BierlPrism Artistry's Nicole Grannie said the world told her to put stilts on and dance in them and that is how the love began.
Photo by Madison BierlLakewood Ranch resident Jake Romine enjoys a margarita despite the impression his shirt may give off at first glance.
Photo by Madison BierlZhanna Canner has worked as a waitress at Agave Bandido for almost a year and gets into the holiday spirit with face paint.
Photo by Madison BierlFire performer Gaby Rosa of Prism Artistry eats fire in Agave Bandido.
Photo by Madison BierlDonna Parks of Lakewood Ranch and Theresa Bing of Sarasota stumbled upon the event after they walked four miles around the lake.
Photo by Madison BierlBrittney and John Coleman celebrate Cinco de Mayo with their two sons 5-year-old Cole and 1-year-old Carter. Cinco de Mayo also happens to be Brittney's birthday.
Photo by Madison BierlLakewood Ranch resident Mark Sulca poses with his mother Divina Brian of Sarasota in between his bartending duties. He doesn't work at Agave Bandido, but when asked to work the event he said "Cinco de Mayo party? I'm there!"
Photo by Madison BierlNicole Grannie of Prism Artistry has been stilt walking for ten years.
Photo by Madison BierlTara Warmuth of Lakewood Ranch dances to the music at Waterside after leaving main street.
Photo by Madison BierlNicolette Fornasari and Zavio Javier, both of Dance Fever Sarasota, show off their dance moves including salsa, bachata and the Argentine tango.
Photo by Madison BierlAmelia Barfield, a 4-year-old Sarasota resident dances the night away with the support of her mother Samantha Buzby.
Photo by Madison BierlSarasota residents Grace Watson and Ryleigh Nader strike poses for the 360 Reese Photobooth. Nader says it was exhilarating, making her feel like she's on a red carpet.
Photo by Madison BierlSarasota natives Kara and Tim Kiszak, daughter and father, pose with stilt walker Nicole Grannie.
Photo by Madison BierlFire performer Gaby Rosa says that she started playing with fire in college and it was the best thing she learned during that time.
Photo by Madison BierlMyakka City resident Heather Todd and Sarasota resident Lance Mountain came for the best margaritas and the beautiful atmosphere.
Photo by Madison BierlNatasha Eriksen became a stilt walker in 2022 and was trained by Nicole Grannie, the other stilt walker at the event.
Photo by Madison BierlNicolette Fornasari of Dance Fever Sarasota dances with Olivia Barfield, a 7-year-old who dances at Stage Door Studios in Sarasota.
Photo by Madison BierlTampa resident Alannis Peterson of Prism Artistry grew up as a professional dancer and when she was introduced to fire she mixed the two.
Photo by Madison BierlKaren Strouse of Lakewood Ranch dances all the time. She is celebrating her 40th anniversary with her husband Ben Strouse.
Photo by Madison BierlDuring the Cinco de Mayo celebration at Agave Bandido in Waterside Place, Lakewood Ranch's Jake Romine wore a shirt that said "I hate margaritas" in all capital letters.
In slightly smaller letters, it read "just kidding can you imagine?"
"Sarcasm levels everyone out in this world," Romine said. "There's nothing better than a margarita on a Monday."
On May 5, Agave Bandido hosted an all-day celebration.
Fire performers and stilt walkers from Prism Artistry came to entertain.
Miami resident and Prism Artistry performer Gaby Rosa's passion for playing with fire began at a college party at Florida State University and stuck with her. She said it was the best thing she learned in college.
Alannis Peterson of Tampa grew up as a dancer and said she met some "weird friends" who introduced her to fire. She decided to combine those two factors to be a fire performer and is passionate about it. She said she appreciates that fire is the most raw and intense element she can create art with.
"I feel powerful," Peterson said. "All the stresses of life melt away and i’m connected with my true self."
Heather Todd of Myakka City said she came to the Cinco de Mayo party to have the best margaritas in a beautiful atmosphere with beautiful people. She said she wasn't disappointed.
Cinco de Mayo wasn't the only celebration of the day as it was also Brittney Coleman's birthday and Ben and Karen Strouse's 40th anniversary, who are all Lakewood Ranch residents.
"Thank you for coming to my birthday party," Coleman said with a laugh.
