Florida Keys New Year's Eve to Feature Lighthearted 'Drops' and Fireworks

Seconds before midnight, a super-sized red high heel carrying the elaborately gowned Sushi is to be lowered at the Bourbon St. Pub/New Orleans House complex.

Revelers in Islamorada can welcome 2013 with the midnight "drop" of a glittering 7.5-foot replica sailfish at Postcard Inn Beach Resort & Marina at Holiday Isle.

At Key West's Historic Seaport, a pirate wench begins her descent from the top of a tall ship's mast as cannons boom.

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

Key West revelers can choose from three lighthearted takeoffs on the Times Square gala as midnight approaches Monday, Dec. 31.

Thousands of people are expected to ring in the New Year by watching a gigantic conch shell, the symbol of the Florida Keys, descend from its supports to the flat roof of Sloppy Joe's Bar, 201 Duval St. Festivities are emceed by a rooftop host and, as a huge clock counts down the seconds to midnight, the manmade shell begins to descend. Sloppy Joe's live music rounds out the revelry. Visit sloppyjoes.com.

At the Bourbon St. Pub/New Orleans House complex, 724 Duval St., renowned female impersonator Sushi is to star in festivities for the 15th consecutive year. Seconds before midnight, a super-sized red high heel carrying the elaborately gowned Sushi is to be lowered from the complex's balcony toward the cheering crowd below. Live entertainment by female impersonators and others adds a seasonal spice. Visit bourbonstpub.com.

In Key West's Historic Seaport, New Year's Eve revelry celebrates the island's colorful seafaring heritage. Just before midnight, a pirate wench is to begin her descent from the top of a tall ship's mast as cannons boom. Seaport attractions also include live music, dancing and festivities at the Schooner Wharf Bar. Visit schoonerwharf.com.

Revelers in the sport-fishing capital of Islamorada can welcome 2013 with the midnight "drop" of a glittering 7.5-foot replica sailfish at Postcard Inn Beach Resort & Marina at Holiday Isle, mile marker (MM) 84 oceanside. Free and open to the public, the event features live music from Anchor Atlantic on the property's Atlantic Ocean beach and a big-screen television showing New York's Times Square festivities as well as the "sailfish drop" from the sixth floor of the Tower Building. For information, call 305-433-9935.

Islamorada visitors can enjoy midnight fireworks on the beach 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 five-course dinner at Pierre's. Call 305-664-3225 to reach Pierre's or 305-664-0604 for Morada Bay Beach Cafe.

Islamorada's Cheeca Lodge & Spa, MM 82 oceanside, also is staging a New Year's Eve celebration and midnight fireworks display. Attractions include live music, dancing on the beach and a four-course gourmet dinner. For more information, costs and reservations, call 305-517-4580.

In Key Largo, a New Year's Eve fireworks extravaganza is to illuminate the sky above Blackwater Sound. The sparkling display is hosted by bayside restaurants Sundowners, Se?or Frijoles, Cactus Jack's, Gus' Grille at the Marriott Key Largo Bay Resort and the Caribbean Club, all located around MMs 103-104. Tables fill quickly, so partiers are advised to arrive early. Visit keylargofireworks.com.

Florida Keys events calendar: fla-keys.com/calendarofevents
Florida Keys visitor information: fla-keys.com or 1-800-FLA-KEYS
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Posted On: November 21, 2012

Source: http://www.fla-keys.com/news/news.cfm?sid=8567

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