- March 29, 2025
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Michelle Barnett brought her English Mastiff Olive, who she said loves Fresh Fridays.
Photo by Ian SwabyK-Luv, of K-Luv and the United Funk Foundation, performs on stage.
Photo by Ian SwabyDowntown Improvement District Chair Ronnie Shugar is preparing to open Sugar Champagne Bar in March. He says the customer service and experience of the largely pink-colored, reservation-only champagne bar will be so unique that "everyone who visits will be transported to a different state of mind," and that it will encourage further investment in Sarasota.
Photo by Ian SwabyLisa Rojas-Masias and Jennifer Bobaoskie
Photo by Ian SwabyMoses Cummings, Lucy Esposito, and Monika and Arthur White encounter living statue performer Joe Abel.
Photo by Ian SwabyJohn and Matt Yurkovich
Photo by Ian SwabyCarl and Karla Standish
Photo by Ian SwabyPaddi Juliano and Magda Shea
Photo by Ian SwabyOscar Rodriguez dances to the music of K-Luv and the United Funk Foundation.
Photo by Ian SwabyJohn Moore and his sister Betsy Juliano
Photo by Ian SwabyDenver and Lisa Miller
Photo by Ian SwabyViper Security, managed by Charlie Mooney (pictured), guarded the Rolls-Royce.
Photo by Ian SwabyA strand of heart-shaped lights adorns a table at the event.
Photo by Ian SwabyPaul Victor of K-Luv and the United Funk Foundation performs on stage.
Photo by Ian SwabyAna Munroe poses with the Sugar Champagne Bar Rolls-Royce.
Photo by Ian SwabyFor some, it was a romantic evening out, and for others, it was a chance to gather with friends.
Paddi Juliano was excited to spend an evening that included her friend from Buffalo, New York, Magda Shea, who was newly a Sarasota resident, while couples joined hands along Palm Avenue.
Heart & Soul on Palm, this month's edition of the Fresh Friday's block party, brought together music by Kluv & The United Funk Foundation, food and drinks, and photo opportunities.
The props available included not just a wall of flowers, but also a Rolls-Royce from the Sugar Champagne Bar set to open at 127 S. Pineapple Ave in March.
The high-end bar is the project of entrepreneur Ronnie Shugar, now chair of the Downtown Improvement District, which runs the event.
"It's truly an honor to be here and be part of this event," Shugar said.
He said the collaboration between Joe Grano, president of the digital marketing agency Next-Mark, the City Commission and the Downtown Improvement District "really brings the community together."
