Dazzling 'Drops' and Fireworks to Highlight New Year's Eve in Florida Keys

Each year perched in a super-sized red high heel, Sushi is lowered from the balcony of the Bourbon St. complex to ring in the new year. Photo by Andy Newman/Florida Keys News Bureau

Evalena Worthington practices her descent from a tall ship's mast at the Schooner Wharf Bar, in advance of this year's celebration.

FLORIDA KEYS ? New Year's Eve partiers tired of cold-weather festivities such as the traditional "ball drop" in New York's Times Square can find exuberant celebrations and much warmer temperatures in the Florida Keys.

Revelry in the Upper Keys is to include fireworks displays and other inviting activities at popular Key Largo and Islamorada restaurants and resorts. In Key West, merrymakers can get the "drop" on the new year at any of three unique takes on the Times Square tradition as midnight approaches Saturday, Dec. 31.

Thousands of people are expected to gather on Key West's famed Duval Street to ring in 2012 by watching a gigantic manmade conch shell, the symbol of the Florida Keys, "drop" at Sloppy Joe's Bar, 201 Duval. Festivities are emceed by a rooftop host beginning at 10 p.m. and, as a huge clock counts down the seconds to midnight, the shell begins to descend. Live music inside Sloppy Joe's adds to the event's appeal. Visit www.sloppyjoes.com.

At the Bourbon St. Pub/New Orleans House complex, 724 Duval St., the annual celebration stars renowned female impersonator Sushi. Seconds before midnight, the elaborately gowned Sushi is to be lowered from the complex's balcony in a glittering, super-sized red high heel. Thousands typically gather to watch the "drag queen drop" and performances by female impersonators. Visit www.bourbonstpub.com.

In Key West's Historic Seaport New Year's Eve merriment salutes the island's colorful seafaring history. As midnight approaches, a pirate wench is lowered from the top of a tall ship's mast as cannons boom and the ship's pirate crew cheers her descent. Other attractions include live music, dancing and festivities at Schooner Wharf Bar, 202 William St.Visit www.schoonerwharf.com.

Blackwater Sound in Key Largo is the setting for the Upper Keys' annual New Year's Eve fireworks extravaganza. The sparkling sky display is hosted by bayside restaurants Sundowners, Se?or Frijoles, Cactus Jack's, Gus' Grille at the Marriott Key Largo Beach Resort and the Caribbean Club, all located around mile markers (MM) 103-104. Tables fill up fast, so partiers are advised to arrive early. Visit www.keylargofireworks.com.

In Islamorada, midnight fireworks on the beach are planned at Pierre's Restaurant and Morada Bay Beach Caf?, MM 81.6 bayside. Live music and cocktails available for purchase are to add to the celebration, but coolers are not allowed. In addition, reservations are being accepted for a gala dinner at Pierre's. For more information and reservations, call Pierre's at 305-664-3225.

For a casually elegant New Year's Eve celebration, Islamorada's Cheeca Lodge & Spa, MM 82 oceanside, is planning a midnight fireworks display. Known for its renowned cuisine and beachside location, Cheeca is an ideal spot for revelers and romantics to ring in 2012. For more information about dining and reservations, call 305-664-4651, ext. 4580.

The newly renovated Postcard Inn Beach Resort & Marina at Holiday Isle, Islamorada's iconic resort located at MM 84 oceanside, is offering two New Year's Eve packages for visitors, including a dinner in the Horizon Room with cocktails, champagne and dancing, or a lighter Tiki fare with hors d'oeuvres, champagne and midnight fireworks on the beach. For details and reservations, call 305-433-9935 or visit www.holidayisle.com.

Florida Keys visitor information: www.fla-keys.com or 1-800-FLA-KEYS (1-800-352-5397)
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Source: http://www.fla-keys.com/news/news.cfm?sid=8216

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