Sarasota Pineapple Drop Set For New Year's Eve

SARASOTA, FL — The sun may rise in the east and set in the west every day of the year, but there's only one day that the Pineapple drops in downtown Sarasota. That's New Year's Eve. The annual Pineapple Drop was being readied at Lemon Avenue and Main Street on Monday.

"The Sarasota Police Department is asking those planning to celebrate to please leave backpacks, coolers and alcohol at home," warned city officials.

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Police were also encouraging people to avoid driving drunk or buzzed and to resist the temptation of firing weapons in the air to celebrate the arrival of 2019.

“What goes up, must come down. A bullet fired into the air will come down and the unintended consequences can be tragic," explained city officials. "It is against the law to fire a weapon in the city of Sarasota; Violators can expect to be arrested."

Watch preparations for the Pineapple Drop below:

If you are planning to celebrate with alcohol, bring along a designated driver who is not drinking, use ride sharing or take a taxi.

There will be a free ‘Tow to Go’ service offered through AAA. Tow to Go will be offered starting on New Year's Eve Day through 6 a.m. Jan. 2, 2019.

For Tow to Go in Sarasota, you can call 855-2-TOW-2-GO (855-286-9246)

"The Sarasota Police Department will be out in full force and there will be no tolerance for the dangerous act of drinking and driving," said city officials.

Several roads will be closed for the annual Pineapple Drop. Vehicles not
removed by the posted time will be towed at the owner’s expense. For information on towed vehicles, call Upman’s Towing at 941-365-6823.

The following road closures are in effect until Tuesday, Jan. 1 at 9 a.m.:

• First Street closed from Pineapple Avenue to Central Avenue
• Central Avenue closed from First Street to Main Street (5 Points Roundabout)
• Pineapple Avenue closed from First Street to Main Street (5 Points Roundabout)
• Lemon Avenue closed from First Street to State Street
• Main Street closed from Orange Avenue to 5 Points roundabout
• City Hall Parking lot (entry off second Street)

Video and image courtesy city of Sarasota