Updated 3/25: Remembering Pastimes Pub
Sarasota has lost a musical institution: Pastimes Pub.
"Thank you very much for your support from fans, friends, family, musicians and badass employees over the years. We'll see you on the other side of the bar."
That was the latest Facebook post from the venerable punk-n-roll bar, which confirmed Saturday morning that it has shut down. No reason was given.
The owners were unavailable for comment.
Earlier on Friday night, former patrons began posting messages on Pastimes' Facebook page, expressing their disbelief.
"RIP Pastimes. Sarasota dies a little with you."
"A fond farewell to Pastimes GulfGate. We will miss you guys and hope the best for you all."
"Pastimes GulfGate has shut its doors. They've hosted all our Punk Rock Betty shows and DJ Iche aka Buckroe SkillzSkills nights. .. s*** won't be the same in Gulfgate. Some of the best times I've had in Fl were in that stinky bar. Mad love to my crackas Luca and Dennis Hoover."
"I am devastated to hear about the closing of Pastimes. It was my Cheers. So many memories. Thank you to Luca, Dennis and John for the good times and the opportunity to play with some amazing bands. Things won't be the same."
"With recent news being presented before my evening it made it hard for me to focus...I am heartbroken to hear about Pastimes GulfGate they took me in with no question after a job of 3 years discarded me with the trash...I have nothing but the utmost love for Luca Dennis and John and hope they get all they deserve in their next chapter bc they gave so much to everyone in the community without ever asking for anything in return...I will miss them and my second home terribly."
