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Downtown Sarasota takes a turn back to the '80s


  • By Ian Swaby
  • | 1:45 p.m. May 2, 2026
Katie Kephart and Shawn Tritschler get into the 80's spirit.
Katie Kephart and Shawn Tritschler get into the 80's spirit.
Photo by Ian Swaby
  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
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The Fresh Fridays series of block parties in Downtown Sarasota have included themes like Christmas and Valentine's Day.

However, one known for drawing a large crowd is the Back to the '80s block party, which was held May 1. 

Attendees, some of them in dressed in theme, filled South Palm Avenue to enjoy offerings like a DeLorean on display and music by the '80s tribute band Careless Whisper, which performed some of the decade's iconic hits.

Attendee Gina Anabtawi called the event "very important," something that brings different generations together and lets people leave behind current worries about the world. 

"It brings everyone together, and everyone's happy, and I look at other people when I'm dancing, and we're all laughing, and we're all laughing because music is what brings everyone together," she said.

 
Daniele Saint-Cyr, Serge Gauthier and Sonia Gauthier pay a visit to the DeLorean.
Daniele Saint-Cyr, Serge Gauthier and Sonia Gauthier pay a visit to the DeLorean.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Freddie Sourbeck and Karli Klar perform with Careless Whisper.
Freddie Sourbeck and Karli Klar perform with Careless Whisper.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Nicole Bernardo and Cybella Bernardo bring some vibrant colors.
Nicole Bernardo and Cybella Bernardo bring some vibrant colors.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Robyn Holl, the cultural curator at Art Ovation Hotel, vibes alongside artist Picardo Erick, who is currently exhibiting at the hotel.
Robyn Holl, the cultural curator at Art Ovation Hotel, vibes alongside artist Picardo Erick, who is currently exhibiting at the hotel.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Artem Esayan Jr., 8, a red belt in Taekwondo, practices the martial art with Adam Frazier.
Artem Esayan Jr., 8, a red belt in Taekwondo, practices the martial art with Adam Frazier.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Artem Esayan Jr., 8, a red belt in Taekwondo, practices the martial art, as Gabriel Grais looks on, with Adam Frazier.
Artem Esayan Jr., 8, a red belt in Taekwondo, practices the martial art, as Gabriel Grais looks on, with Adam Frazier.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Shayla and Hunter Murphy bring the energy of flow stars, a type of juggling cloth, to the event.
Shayla and Hunter Murphy bring the energy of flow stars, a type of juggling cloth, to the event.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Waffles from Waffle Monkey are on sale at a table.
Waffles from Waffle Monkey are on sale at a table.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Artem Esayan and Jay Manson catch up after work.
Artem Esayan and Jay Manson catch up after work.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Catherine and Mark Kudlacik, their dog Cooper, and Craig and Alma Gloznek enjoy the atmosphere.
Catherine and Mark Kudlacik, their dog Cooper, and Craig and Alma Gloznek enjoy the atmosphere.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Lisa Donetti and Gina Love celebrate Love's 60th birthday, bringing cutouts of herself.
Lisa Donetti and Gina Love celebrate Love's 60th birthday, bringing cutouts of herself.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Karli Klar channels the energy of Joan Jett.
Karli Klar channels the energy of Joan Jett.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Sandra Alexander casts some color about.
Sandra Alexander casts some color about.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Jessi Powell of Stanley Wealth & Retirement brings some bubbles.
Jessi Powell of Stanley Wealth & Retirement brings some bubbles.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Shayla and Hunter Murphy bring the energy of flow stars, a type of juggling cloth, to the event.
Shayla and Hunter Murphy bring the energy of flow stars, a type of juggling cloth, to the event.
Photo by Ian Swaby

 

author

Ian Swaby

Ian Swaby is the Sarasota neighbors writer for the Observer. Ian is a Florida State University graduate of Editing, Writing, and Media and previously worked in the publishing industry in the Cayman Islands.

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