SARASOTA – Traditionally Black Friday is spent hunting for the perfect shopping deals. But only in Florida are people able to break that tradition.
Instead of facing large crowds at the malls some residents and tourist are choosing to face large crowds — but at the beach.
For Joe and Helene Morrissey it’s spending the holidays at the beach relaxing before leaving to visit family in Philadelphia. “We’re thrilled to be here, it’s a beautiful day, we’re going to try and enjoy the weekend and this is a great way to spend Thanksgiving,” said Joe.
They weren’t the only once to take advantage of the weather before heading back north. Kristen Hanson & Clint Brown, of Wisconsin decided to ditch Black Friday shopping for some fun in the sun.
“You can do Black Friday shopping in Wisconsin and I’m telling you it’s in the teens right now,” said Hanson.” So I don’t know teens, out shopping or this and this win hands down.”
Hanson and Brown are visiting family in Tampa and needing a break from the harsh weather up north. “Well we have grand kids in Tampa, normally were just there and this year it been so awful the weather in Wisconsin that we thought ‘No we need to hit a beach’,” said Hanson.
Both Hanson and Brown don’t mind breaking traditions. “You can do turkey, you don’t have to have it on Thanksgiving, but I’m telling you this has been the most relaxing Thanksgiving in years, sorry mom I’m just saying,” said Hanson.
And the Wisconsin snowbirds already have plans for next year. “This was a great idea and we’re going to do it again,” said Brown.
