ORLANDO, Fla. — Preparations are underway to ring in 2019 in Central Florida.
New Year’s Eve parties are happening across our area.
Two of the biggest parties are taking place on Wall Street and Church Street in Downtown Orlando.
The Orange ball is ready to drop at the strike of midnight just above Church Street.
Pyrotechnics and fireworks will accompany the iconic Orlando tradition as the Orange descends from Latitudes’ rooftop bar.
A little further north at Wall Street Plaza, revelers will enjoy a block party for the new year, featuring three LED walls and other special effects. Those screens will then stay up for the New Year's Day Fiesta Bowl watch party.
“This is a big one for sure," said Pat Griffin, Wall Street Plaza general manager. "Everyone likes to go out and celebrate the new year. We expect to be packed. Downtown does a great job, provides a safe environment for everybody.”
A street party is also happening in Thornton Park, around Washington Street and Summerlin Avenue.
Several roads are being closed and traffic will be redirected for the events. Head to the city of Orlando website for details.
New Year's Eve and Safety
Thousands of revelers are expected to attend the party that stretches all the way into the new year. Those planning to attend should arrive early and have a sober ride home.
Orlando Police will be out in full force, with officers on foot, on bicycle, on horseback and in vehicles, making sure the crowd is safe and that no one drives drunk.
Over the weekend, OPD partnered with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and other law enforcement agencies in the area to crack down on drunk drivers.
If you do plan to drink during New Year's Eve celebrations, AAA is once again offering a free Tow to Go service that will pick up your vehicle and take you and it home.
To use the service, call 855-2-TOW-2-GO or 855-286-9246.
If the drive home will be a long one, Florida Dept. of Transportation is reminding people pull over if you are tired. And if you are on Florida's Turnpike, get some free coffee.
Complimentary coffee will be available at Turnpike service plazas from 11 p.m. until 6 a.m. The coffee will be at the Shell convenience stores, and in the lobbies at the Okahumpka, Turkey Lake, Canoe Creek, Fort Drum, Fort Pierce, West Palm Beach and Pompano service plazas.