Jacksonville & Northeast Florida
Ring in the New Year in style with Jacksonville's biggest New Year's bash downtown. The Winn Dixie Hometown Gator Bowl Parade will take over the streets of Downtown Jacksonville beginning at 3:00 p.m. and the Gator Bowl Pep Rallies will get you pumped for the big game — cheer for the ACC team at 1:30 p.m. or the visiting team at 5:30 p.m. Party the evening away with live entertainment from the Jacksonville Landing stage and cap off the evening by enjoying spectacular fireworks.Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens are holding a family-friendly Noon Year's Eve Party with Radio Disney from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 31, with contests, prizes, favors and giveaways for everyone. Don't miss the apple juice toast at noon!
Miami & South Florida
Downtown's Bayfront Park is the location for a free New Year's Eve celebration that features a concert performance and midnight fireworks.
Orlando
The major Orlando theme parks -- Walt Disney World, SeaWorld Orlando and Universal Studios Orlando -- have big plans for New Year's Eve. You can eat, dance 'til you drop and see the best fireworks displays ever.Universal Orlando Resort will present the Turn On the Night! with non-stop entertainment offered throughout CityWalk. CityWalk, Universal Orlando's 30-acre entertainment complex will host live music on the plaza stage, an unlimited buffet, fireworks and champagne toast at midnight.
St. Petersburg
Bring in 2009 with the 16th Annual New Year's Even Celebration First Night St. Petersburg and enjoy a five-hour fireworks frenzy! This bay area celebration features entertainment, fantastic fireworks, food, and games at 35 venues in Midtown and Downtown from 5:00 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. The alcohol-free event for children and adults is FREE for those age 5 and under. Adult admission is $10 and $5 for ages 6 to 12. >Tickets may be purchased online and at the Publix at Northeast Shopping Center, The Pier, The Chamber of Commerce (100 2nd Avenue N.), The Arts Center (719 Central Avenue), Florida Craftsmen (501 Central Avenue), Interior Motives Gallery (1110 Central Avenue)
Tampa
Busch Gardens is celebrating the New Year with special entertainment and fireworks nightly, December 27-31. You can give 2009 the ultimate "wild" welcome with coasters in the dark, including SheiKra — America's only dive coaster. Hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. (until 1:00 a.m. on December 31). This event is included with daily park admission or a Passport membership.The Outback Bowl Parade and pep rally by participating college cheerleaders. along 7th Avenue in Ybor City is a huge celebration featuring high school and participating college bands, professional-quality floats, and more. Parade begins 5:30 p.m., with a fantastic fireworks finale at 8:15 p.m. (Please note: No coolers, glass containers or open alcohol allowed on streets.)
Make a splash on the social scene this New Year's Eve at The Florida Aquarium where you will see and be seen as you enjoy live entertainment, great food, complimentary beer and wine, underwater wonders and the best fireworks display in Tampa. Tickets are $75 for members before December 23; $80 general admission before December 7; $90 general admission before December 21; and, $100 after December 21. Call 813-273-4000 for further information.
Light Up Tampa Bay at Channelside on New Year's Eve with live entertainment and a midnight fireworks show and ball drop along the downtown Tampa waterfront. Before the fireworks, enjoy the numerous restuarants and night spots at Channelside. Call 813-223-4250 for more information.
Lowry Park Zoo will host Radio Disney with a countdown to noon during their Noon Year's Eve celebration from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 31.
The Keys
If you want to see the prettiest sunsets on earth and fireworks too... be in the Florida Keys on New Year's Eve.
- Islamorada fireworks are displayed over the Atlantic Ocean and can be seen from shore.
- Southernmost City (Key West) celebrates New Year's Eve with a conch shell drop at Sloppy Joe's Bar, "wench" drop at Schooner Wharf Bar, and red high heel drop with drag queen Sushi at Bourbon Street Pub/New Orleans House. Of course, Key West's Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square is an everyday affair that combines the natural beauty of Florida's sunsets with a carnival-type celebration.
