Hurricane Michael ravaged areas of the Panhandle (including sister city Panama City) in October, but Panama City Beach is open for business and moving forward with its annual New Year's Eve Beach Ball Drop at Pier Park, the area's shopping, dining and entertainment district.
In its 11th year, the Beach Ball Drop draws more than 10,000 visitors each year. In addition to the main event, when an illuminated beach ball has fully descends from its 80-foot perch on Celebration Tower, revelers will be treated to a fireworks display and live music.
"Our New Year's Eve Beach Ball Drop gives guests of all ages the chance to celebrate, with activities timed to coincide with both little one's bed times and adults seeking late night fun," said Dan Rowe, president and CEO of Visit Panama City Beach.
With that in mind, a bedtime-friendly 8 p.m. countdown is held, as well, when 10,000 beach balls are dropped from nets suspended over the streets of Pier Park. The first of the evening's two fireworks shows follow immediately after the drop.
The event starts at 5:30 p.m. and is free to the public.