TAMPA, Fla. — As the Tampa Bay area prepares to ring in the New Year, dozens of celebrations are planned across the region, from beachfront fireworks to downtown parties, and cold temperatures aren’t expected to slow things down.
From Tampa to St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Plant City and beyond, residents won’t have to travel far to find a New Year’s Eve event to enjoy.
What You Need To Know
- As the Tampa Bay area prepares to ring in the New Year, dozens of celebrations are planned across the region
- One of the largest celebrations will take place in downtown St. Petersburg, where the city and the St. Pete Pier are hosting the area’s biggest fireworks show
- City officials in Tampa and St. Petersburg are encouraging people attending larger events to dress warmly, as temperatures are expected to be chilly
One of the largest celebrations will take place in downtown St. Petersburg, where the city and the St. Pete Pier are hosting the area’s biggest fireworks show.
The event begins at 8 p.m. with live music and entertainment leading up to the midnight fireworks display.
In Clearwater, Amplify Clearwater and its sponsors will launch a fireworks show from Sand Key Park at midnight. While the park itself will be closed to visitors, organizers say the best viewing spot will be from the southernmost part of Clearwater Beach.
In downtown Tampa, the Friends of the Riverwalk and Jackson’s Bistro are preparing to welcome thousands of people for a midnight fireworks show over the Hillsborough River. Guests can purchase tickets to Jackson’s New Year’s Eve party, which includes food, drinks, DJs, and balloon drops, or choose to watch the fireworks from select outdoor viewing areas along the Riverwalk.
Marybeth Williams with Friends of the Riverwalk shared tips on where to watch:
“The Sail, the Convention Center area — that’ll be a great viewing area — the Harbor Island Bridge. I do believe there are still some VIP tickets available at Jackson’s, so if you don’t have plans, there is food and beverage, balloon drops and DJs.”
A portion of the proceeds from Jackson’s event will benefit Friends of the Riverwalk, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and expanding Tampa’s Riverwalk.
City officials in Tampa and St. Petersburg are encouraging people attending larger events to dress warmly, as temperatures are expected to be chilly.
They also recommend using public transportation when possible to avoid traffic and parking challenges.
For those who plan to drive, officials advise arriving early and planning parking ahead of time, as garages are expected to fill up quickly.
LIST OF EVENTS:
St. Pete Pier Fireworks Show:
Dec. 31 – Jan 1, 8 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.
Clearwater Fireworks Celebration:
Dec. 31, 12 a.m.
Tampa Riverwalk
Dec. 31, 9 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Plant City Strawberry Drop
Dec. 31, 7 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.
Legoland New Year’s Eve
Dec. 31, Check-in starts at 6:15 p.m.
Lakewood Ranch – New Year’s Eve at Waterside Place
Dec. 31 – Jan 1, 7 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.
Downtown New Port Richey New Year’s Eve
Dec. 31, 6 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Brooksville Ball Drop
Dec. 31, 7 p.m.
Downtown Sarasota New Year’s Eve Pineapple Drop
Dec. 31, 9 a.m. – Jan. 1 1 a.m.
