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.

Sarasota
Neighbors

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.

Freddie Sourbeck and Karli Klar perform with Careless Whisper.

Nicole Bernardo and Cybella Bernardo bring some vibrant colors.

Robyn Holl, the cultural curator at Art Ovation Hotel, vibes alongside artist Picardo Erick, who is currently exhibiting at the hotel.

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, as Gabriel Grais looks on, with Adam Frazier.

Shayla and Hunter Murphy bring the energy of flow stars, a type of juggling cloth, to the event.

Waffles from Waffle Monkey are on sale at a table.

Artem Esayan and Jay Manson catch up after work.

Catherine and Mark Kudlacik, their dog Cooper, and Craig and Alma Gloznek enjoy the atmosphere.

Lisa Donetti and Gina Love celebrate Love's 60th birthday, bringing cutouts of herself.

Karli Klar channels the energy of Joan Jett.

Sandra Alexander casts some color about.

Jessi Powell of Stanley Wealth & Retirement brings some bubbles.

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.