Pinellas County New Year’s Eve 2016 Events Ring in 2017

CLEARWATER, FL – From geckos to the Great Gatsby, Pinellas County offers an eclectic variety of ways to ring in 2017 on New Year’s Eve 2016.

Whether people are looking for fireworks, dancing or a ball drop, there are plenty of activities on New Year’s Eve 2016.

For area residents and out-of-town guests, here’s a list of events happening to ring in 2017 on New Year’s Eve 2016 in Pinellas County:

Light it Up Clearwater

Light it Up Clearwater is Clearwater Beach’s annual New Year’s Eve Celebration. The event, which features midnight fireworks on the beach, was recently named one of the Top 5 Kid-Friendly Places to Ring in the New Year by U.S. News & World Report. Along with free viewing of the sunset and midnight fireworks on the beach, there are several venues along the coast that will host events:

• Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill on the Beach: Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill, 7 Rockaway St., will host its New Year’s Eve Celebration with local band Sweet Spot from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. There will be a champagne toast at midnight. No cover charge.
• Shephard’s Beach Resort: Shephard’s Beach Resort, 619 S. Gulfview Blvd., will host the largest New Year’s Eve party on the Gulf of Mexico. Doors open at 8 p.m. and the event will finish at 2:30 a.m. The event will feature a live band playing Top-40 dance music on the outdoor Tiki Beach Stage, and a DJ inside the Wave Nightclub. Shephard’s will also feature the ball drop on its 20-foot LED video wall. The event is for adults 21 and older. General admission tickets are $35 and some VIP tickets are still available. Click here to purchase tickets online.
• Jimmy’s Fish House and Iguana Bar: Jimmy’s on Clearwater Beach, 521 S. Gulfveiw Blvd., will feature its New Year’s 2017 celebration with live entertainment by The Three Amigo’s. The event also features complimentary party hat, noisemakers and a midnight champagne toast. Purchase advance seating for the four-course filet mignon and lobster dinner for $79.95 plus tax per couple at http://www.jimmysfishhouse.net/.
• Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort: The SHOR American Seafood and Grill at the Hyatt Regency Resort will host its special New Year’s Eve Dinner. A few spots remain for seating through 11 p.m. Click here for the full menu and cost.
• Sandpearl Resort: The Caretta Lounge at the Sandpearl Resort, 500 Mandalay Ave., will feature live music beginning at 10 p.m. and lasting through the New Year. Caretta on the Gulf will also feature a prix Fixe menu for New Year’s Eve with two different seating options. Reservations are required. Call (727) 441-2425 or visit https://www.facebook.com/Clearwaterflorida.
• Opal Sands Resort: Se-Guini at the Opal Sands Resort will offer a three-course prix fixe menu for New Year’s Eve. Sandbar at the resort will offer various food and drink specials, live entertainment and a view of the midnight fireworks. Call (727) 450-6234 or visit http://www.seaguini.com/special-events/ for more information.
• StarLite Dining Cruises: The StarLine Majesty will host a New Year’s Eve cruise with dinner, dancing and drinks with live and recorded entertainment. For reservations and more information, visit http://www.starlitecruises.com/cruises/new-years-eve-dinner-yacht-cruise-clearwater-beach.html.

For more information, visit http://www.lightitupclearwater....

First Night in Downtown St. Petersburg

For the 24th year, downtown St. Petersburg will come alive on New Year’s Eve for First Night, which runs from 4 p.m. on Dec. 31 running through midnight on Jan. 1. Limited edition buttons for First Night 2017, designed by local artist Coralette Damme, are required for admission. Advance prices are $10 for adults and $5 for children 6-12. Day-of prices are $15 for adults and $10 for children 6-12. Children 5 and younger are free.

Events will take place at venues across the downtown St. Petersburg area from Mirror Lake to Straub Park. Entertainment includes live bands, puppet shows, arts demonstrations, poetry, chamber music and opera, Latin dancing and other interactive events. There will also be two fireworks shows at 8 p.m. and capping off the evening at midnight.

For more information, visit http://www.firstnightstpete.com/.

Gulfport New Year’s Eve Gala

The Gulfport Area Chamber of Commerce will host its New Year’s Eve Gala on Saturday, Dec. 31 from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Jan. 1 at the Gulfport Casino Ballroom, 5500 Shore Blvd. S. The event features music and dancing, late-night tapas, a champagne toast and party favors. Gulfport’s Gecko Ball will drop at the event too. Attire is “Gulfport Formal,” which can mean anything in this eclectic city. Tickets are $35 per person and $45 for the Casino Club and are available at the Beach Bazaar and the Casino. For more information, visit http://visitgulfportflorida.com/events/new-years-eve-gala/.

Toast on the Coast

For those looking for an upscale celebration, the TradeWinds Island Resorts, 5500 Gulf Blvd. on St. Pete Beach, will host its Toast on the Coast New year’s Eve celebration on Saturday, Dec. 31 from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Jan. 1. Live music will be presented by Motel Funk from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. with Galbraith Group opening from 8 to 9:30 p.m. There will also be a champagne toast and balloon drop at midnight. The event is for adults 21 and older with individual reservations for $99 per person required by calling (727) 363-2258. Dress code is cocktail attire, jacket optional for men.

Swingin’ in the New Year

The St. Petersburg Coliseum, 535 Fourth Ave. N., will host Swingin’ in the New Year, an event for all ages from 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 31 lasting until 1 a.m. on Jan. 1. The Jive Aces will provide live music. The event features a countdown to midnight and a balloon drop, party favors and noisemakers, chocolates, prize giveaways and a cash bar. There will also be a vintage fashion photo shoot and contest. Swing dance lessons will take place from 8 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $30. For more information, visit http://newyearswing.com/.

NYE Gatsby Gala

Party like its 1920 to ring in 2017 at Mastry’s Brewing Co., 7701 Blind Pass Road in St. Pete Beach, for its New Year’s Eve Gatsby Gala. Attendees are encouraged to dress in 1920s-style attire for the event, featuring a new Berliner beer release called “Bubbly,” tapas-style food, a photo booth, and a live DJ. Entry is free from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Additional parking can be found at the community center, one block behind Mastry’s Brewing. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/183533545443100/.

New Year’s Eve at the 360-degree Rooftop

The 360-Degree Rooftop will host its New Year’s Eve celebration on Saturday, Dec. 31 starting at 9 p.m. On the top level of Hotel Zamora, 3701 Gulf Blvd. in St. Pete Beach, with live music by The Hunks of Funk. There will also be an open well bar, a desert and champagne buffet and a midnight champagne toast with a great view of the city’s fireworks display. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/982499588563075/.

Image via Nicholas Suan, Flickr, used under Creative Commons