New Year’s Parties in the Florida Keys
December 15th, 2007
Florida Keys — From beachside fireworks to wacky takeoffs on the traditional ball drop in New York’s Times Square, the Florida Keys offer visitors a wealth of ways to welcome 2008. And because “winter” in the subtropical island chain means balmy breezes rather than blizzards, revelers can leave overcoats and boots behind as they head out to celebrate dressed in shirtsleeves, shorts and sandals.
Three celebrations in Key West, all slated for the night of Monday, Dec. 31, are to be staged as very different — though equally lighthearted — takeoffs on the Times Square gala.
On Duval Street, thousands of people are expected to ring in the New Year by watching a gigantic manmade conch shell, the symbol of the Florida Keys, descend from the skies to the roof of Sloppy Joe’s Bar (201 Duval St.). Spectators can expect special effects, pre-midnight antics by a rooftop host, confetti and streamers — and, as a huge clock counts down the seconds to midnight, the shell’s descent is to begin.
A few blocks away at the Bourbon Street Pub/New Orleans House complex (724 Duval St.), renowned female impersonator Sushi is slated to take the celebration’s center stage. Just before midnight, a dazzlingly gowned and coiffed Sushi, riding in a glittering super-sized red high heel, is to be lowered from the balcony of the complex to the accompaniment of cheers and applause from the crowds below.
For more information, call (305) 296-2388, ext. 121, regarding Sloppy Joe’s conch shell drop, (305) 293-9800 regarding the high heel drop and (305) 292-3302 regarding the descent of the pirate wench.
In Key West’s Historic Seaport, New Year’s Eve revelry combines with a salute to the island city’s colorful seafaring heritage. Just before midnight, a pirate wench is to begin her descent from the top of the mast of the historic tall ship Liberty Clipper — completing it as the clock strikes and 2008 officially begins. Also planned are cannon blasts and rocking live music by renowned entertainers at the Schooner Wharf Bar.
A water’s-edge fireworks display is to ring in the New Year in the Upper Keys. Key Largo’s bang-up community celebration is to feature fireworks over Blackwater Sound at midnight Monday, Dec. 31. The display can be viewed from local bars and restaurants including Sundowners Restaurant, Señor Frijoles, Cactus Jacks, Gus’ Grille at the Marriott Key Largo Bay Beach Resort and the Caribbean Club lounge, all located at mile markers 103-104. For information, call (305) 451-4502.
Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2008, 8 a.m. Village New Year’s Day Celebration (Islamorada) The annual 5k Run, Walk and Crawl is slated to start at 8 a.m. Jan. 1 at Founders Park, MM 87 bayside in Islamorada. For the less athletically minded, a day of festivities follows with the blessing of the fleet at Whale Harbor Bridge, a skate competition and jam, and a birthday party for Islamorada, the Village of Islands. Contact: (305) 853-1685.
For more information about the Florida Keys & Key West, including a complete schedule of events, in the U.S. and Canada, call toll-free 1-800-FLA-KEYS (800-352-5397).
