New Year’s Eve celebrations in Southwest Florida

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LEE COUNTY, Fla.- You can ring in 2015 in style with events throughout Southwest Florida.

The annual New Year’s Downtown Countdown will start at 8 p.m. on December 31st in the historic downtown Fort Myers River District.

Included this year will be five stages of live music: UV (U2 tribute band) headlines on the city stage at Bay & Hendry Streets, Marty Stokes Band located in the Patio de Leon, Cherry Bombs will be at First and Broadway Streets, The Ben Allen Band on Hendry at Cowboy Up, and Redemption located on First & Jackson Streets.

Stage start times will be staggered beginning at 8 p.m. with the main stage beginning at 10 p.m. The annual midnight ball drop will be at Bay & Hendry Streets, followed by fireworks.

The Fort Myers Police Department has the following tips to help you stay safe:

  • Plan ahead. Always designate a non-drinking driver before any holiday party or celebration begins.
  • Take the keys. Do not let a friend drive if they are impaired.
  • Be a helpful host. If you’re hosting a party, remind your guests to plan ahead and designate a sober driver, always offer alcohol-free beverages, and make sure all of your guests leave with a sober driver.
  • If you see an impaired driver on the road call police.

You can also celebrate the Town of Fort Myers Beach’s birthday and New Year’s Eve at Time Square. Festivities begin at noon with free cupcakes starting between noon and 1 p.m.  Live music will be played throughout the day.  Ball drop is at midnight followed by fireworks off of the pier. Don’t miss the fun! The bridge will be closed to oncoming traffic from midnight to 1:30 a.m. during the fireworks.

Cape Harbour will host it’s 9th Annual New Year’s Party featuring a gala and magical midnight fireworks display and ball drop from high above the promenade overlooking the Marina.
The 170-foot ball drop from atop the Marina South condominium complex has become a popular tradition here and is one of the most anticipated celebrations in the city. Each year the ball is enhanced with new technology and more brilliance so this is the place to be to experience this spectacular display! Fathoms Restaurant & Bar f/k/a The Joint and The French Press f/k/a Run Agrounds are hosting this event! Great food, drinks and party favors will also be the fare at Fathoms; with live music by “Soapy Tuna” starting at 8 p.m. Reservations are not required.

The South Cape will have its own special celebration. The South Cape Hospitality and Entertainment Associations present the 2nd Annual “South Cape New Year’s Eve 2015 Trolley Event” from 7 p.m.- midnight. Ring in 2015 by hopping around your favorite South Cape hot spots on a fleet of trolleys for only $5!! Roll around town and enjoy all the wonderful New Year’s Eve specials South Cape has to offer without worrying about driving or walking!!

Participating locations are:
Backstreets Sports Bar                     915 SE 47th Terrace
Cruiser’s Lounge                              1517 SE 47th Terrace
Dixie Roadhouse                              1023 SE 47th Terrace
Monkey Bar & Steakhouse              1428 Lafayette Street
Rack’em Billiards                             1011 SE 47th Terrace
Ralph’s Place of Cape Coral            1305 Cape Coral Pkwy
Rockade                                            1023 SE 47th Terrace
The Dek                                            4704 SE 15th Avenue
Tiki Hut @ Dolphin Key Resort       1502 Miramar Street
Tubby’s City Hangout                       4810 Vincennes Street

Fishermen’s Village in Punta Gorda will ring in the New Year with special events. The New Year’s Eve Extravaganza is from 5 p.m. until 12:30 a.m! Live music on Center Stage by Gator DJ. Family friendly festivities include: Fun Photos, Air Brush Art for Face & Body, Luis the Balloon Man, Too Tall Torrie Stiltwalker, Hair Dazzle by Brian and Lori, & Tarot Readings by Pamela and Face Painting by Metamasque. Watch the magical “dolphin drop” at midnight! Village Restaurants will be offering New Year’s Eve specials; call early for reservations! Singer/Guitarist Michael Hirst will also be performing in the first section of the Village, 7:30 p.m.- 12:30 a.m. 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Fishermen’s Village, Punta Gorda.

In Naples, you can enjoy music on Third Street South from 6:30 p.m.- 9:30 p.m. Music performed by Felix Jiles in the Fleischmann Courtyard. Then you can see fireworks from Naples Pier at 7:30 p.m.

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