As quickly as it came, 2019 is headed out the door and Florida is
gearing up for a new decade. There are hundreds of parties set for Dec.
31, ranging from posh masquerades to casual gatherings. But if Florida
is good at something, it's figuring out how to twist up tradition and
turn it on its head. The following events put a Sunshine State spin on
the age-old Times Square ritual.
Key West
New Year's Eve in the southernmost key kicks off in the spot where the party gets going every night at sunset, Mallory Square.
But on Dec. 31, there's extra fun in the air and on the street. Set
sail before the sun goes down on the Last Sunset Sail from Fury Water Adventures,
which offers two different vibes: a more chill sail on a glass-bottomed
boat for families or a live music sunset sail for pregamers. Once the
sun sinks into the gulf, the final Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square
begins with magicians, jugglers and artists. At midnight, watch the
Lowering of the Pirate Wench at Schooner Wharf, the conch shell drop at
Sloppy Joe' or see something quintessentially Key West: Sushi the Drag
Queen descending from a sparkly red stiletto heel at the New Orleans
House on Duval Street.
Panama City Beach
The streets of Pier Park,
PCB's main square for dining, shopping and entertainment, are closed
off to traffic on Dec. 31 to make way for the thousands who gather to
listen to live music and enjoy street entertainers and fireworks. Panama
City Beach has worked hard to rebrand itself as a family-friendly,
year-round destination, and the two separate Beach Ball Drops are
testament to that effort. For kids who can't quite make it to midnight,
10,000 inflated beach balls drop at 8 p.m. followed by a fireworks
display; adults who can stay up late can clink glasses and exchange
smooches once the glowing beach ball drops from Celebration Tower, at
which time the second fireworks display of the evening lights up the
waterfront.
Legoland Florida Resort
Included with Legoland
theme park admission, make sure your kids are wearing their dancing
shoes, because rugs will get cut throughout the Winter Haven theme park
until 8 p.m. from Dec. 26 to 31. The New Year's Eve celebration includes
a fireworks display and special brick-building activities to ring in
the new year. On Dec. 31, a giant, glowing Lego brick will drop (at a
kid-friendly hour) to celebrate the new decade.