In most cities with First Fridays, the celebrations take an arts-related theme. But in St. Pete, our monthly downtown event is essentially a raucous block party. Hundreds of people from throughout the Tampa Bay area descend on the Central Avenue block between Second and Third streets for live music and a suspension of the open container laws. And while the block-wide bash is great for local businesses and St. Pete’s nightlife, by the time 2 p.m. rolls around, it’s a mini Ultimate Fighting tournament on Central Avenue. From frat boys with bruised egos to boozed-up rednecks from Ocala, take a seat at the Fortunato’s Italian Market for your own ringside action.
This article appears in Sep 10-16, 2008.
