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ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — A beloved tradition in St. Petersburg may soon come to an end. This Good Friday could mark the last of the city’s cherished First Friday events, a prospect that many attendees find hard to believe.
One local expressed disbelief, saying, “It’s not happening. And the Rays aren’t leaving downtown St. Pete. You heard it here.” Another attendee shared a similar sentiment, stating, “This is it right here. I love First Friday.”
Over the past two decades, this vibrant block party has not only provided entertainment but has also been a pillar of support for charities and local businesses, fostering community engagement. However, organizers have confided to 8 On Your Side that escalating costs and waning support are casting a shadow over the event’s future prospects.
The block party has supported charities, local businesses, and engaged the community. Organizers told 8 On Your Side rising costs and dwindling support has made their future uncertain.
“That hurts my soul. Like I can’t imagine St. Pete without a First Friday. Like that’s, you know, the most ‘Burger’ thing there is just that’s all come together having a good time,” said Justin Adams.
Adams is a vendor for First Friday. He said the event is a big driver for businesses big and small, and feels something can be done to keep the block party going.
“I think everyone economically is hurting like your average person and just small businesses in general. It’s hard. Our production costs are up with all the craziness that’s going on in the world, but it really shouldn’t be an excuse. Why we can’t come out here and the city can’t make it work as far as investing in the people that are here already,” Adams said.
Take it from the tourists, who said they heard the music from their hotel, saw the crowd, wanted to be a part of it, and said they’d come back for something like this.
“Maybe they can charge to get in because I’m pretty sure people want to keep it going, they wouldn’t mind paying a little fee to keep it going,” said one woman.
But some people heard the news and came to soak up what they could.
8 On Your Side reached out to one of the organizers of First Friday to learn if this was in fact the last time for the event. They said hopefully this will not be the last night, but without sponsors and increasing city bills, they don’t know if they can hang on. The organizer also said they will be sitting down with some bar owners next week to figure out their status, and said city leaders are having a meeting about the billing Monday.