Pineapple Drop ushers out a 'perfect square year'

Can't mingle with 1 million people at Times Square on New Year's Eve? If you were within driving distance, or wanted to take a flight from anywhere in the world, Sarasota, was the place to be Dec. 31.

Sponsored by the Downtown Sarasota Enrichment Association, Sarasota's 26th annual tropical block party complete with a pineapple drop boasted about 40,000 guests who helped usher 2025 out and loudly roar 2026 in.

A rare mathematical event, 2025 will be remembered for many things, but it is also a 'perfect square year' because 45 x 45 equals 2025 (you knew that, right?). For those calculating, our last perfect square year was 1936 and the next is 2116.

Located at the intersection of Lemon and Main streets, festival organizers began closing off the roads and setting stages and barricades 24 hours ahead of time. A police and security force was on-site as well as the Sarasota County Sherriff's Mounted Patrol, whose team of horses garnered much attention from children and adults alike.

The carnival folks expertly moved in with colorful rides, big prize games and food that take one back home to beloved boardwalks of "down the shore" New Jersey. 

Music was plentiful and dancing in the streets is not just a song it is something that cannot be helped at a block party. Feature bands included Bradenton's Nauti Girl, Nashville-based country/rock singer and songwriter Chas Collins, and the Venice based powerhouse Gas House Gorillas.

Local restaurants were open with tables set and reservation books filled. Many businesses remained open and vendors lined the street with tangibles for everyone. Eventgoers lined up to get their caricatures drawn, ride the mechanical bull, bungee jump or just get a beer. 

With formal celebrations happening all over the county, this all-age event is popular with locals and tourists who donned leg warmers, boots, fur coats, hats and gloves as they braved the unseasonable 48-degree weather.

A 15-minute firework display was held on the Sarasota Bay beginning at the stroke of midnight as it became official: 2026 is here, and 365 new days are ahead.