Sarasota's Good Friday procession a seasonal tradition on Main Street

Founded 24 years ago, the annual multi-denominational Good Friday procession down Main Street will begin at 7 a.m., April 18, near the intersection with North Washington Boulevard.

With more than 100 congregations expecting to participate in the observance of the Stations of the Cross, 27 ministers of 14 denominations will lead it.

City Commissioner Kyle Battie and County Commissioner Tom Knight will preside over the first of 14 Stations of the Cross stops, each representing a part of the story of Jesus’ crucifixion, beginning near the Regal Hollywood movie theaters in the 1900 block of Main Street. From there, the faithful will make their way east down the center of Main Street to Church of the Redeemer on Palm Avenue by 8:30 a.m.

Trolley service to the beginning of the route will begin operation at 6:30 a.m. for participants who want to park at the end of the route.

Government offices in the city and county of Sarasota will be open for business on Good Friday, though public schools in Manatee and Sarasota counties will close.

Here’s a rundown of what's open and closed:

• Manatee County government offices: Closed.
• Manatee County public libraries: Closed.
• Manatee County public schools: No classes, all sites are closed.
• Sarasota County government offices: Open normal hours.
• Sarasota County libraries: Open normal hours.
• Sarasota County Public Schools: No classes, instructional staff and teachers are off.
• Sarasota City Hall: Open normal hours.
• Longboat Key Town Hall: Closing at 11:30 a.m.
• Florida state offices: Open normal business hours.
• Federal offices and post offices: Open normal business hours.

Most retail and private businesses operate on Good Friday, though Publix Supermarkets will close on Easter Sunday, one of three holidays it observes for its staff. According to the dining site, OpenTable.com, at least 215 restaurants will be open for business on Easter Sunday in the Sarasota area.

Publix SuperMarkets are closed on Easter Sunday, one of three holidays the grocery giant closes, Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter.