New Year’s Eve partiers tired of cold-weather festivities such as the traditional “ball drop” in New York’s Times Square can find exuberant celebrations and much warmer temperatures in the Florida Keys.

Celebrations in the Upper Keys will include fireworks displays and other inviting activities at popular Key Largo and Islamorada restaurants and resorts. In Key West, merrymakers can get the “drop” on the New Year at any of three unique takes on the Times Square tradition as midnight approaches Saturday 31 December 2011.

Thousands of people are expected to gather on Key West’s famed Duval Street to ring in 2012 by watching a gigantic manmade conch shell, the symbol of the Florida Keys, “drop” at Sloppy Joe’s Bar, once one of Ernest Hemingway’s regular hang-outs. Festivities are emceed by a rooftop host beginning at 10 p.m. and, as a huge clock counts down the seconds to midnight, the shell begins to descend. Live music inside Sloppy Joe’s adds to the event’s appeal. Visit www.sloppyjoes.com.

At the Bourbon St. Pub/New Orleans House complex, the annual celebration stars renowned female impersonator Sushi. Seconds before midnight, the elaborately gowned Sushi is to be lowered from the complex’s balcony in a glittering, super-sized red high heel. Thousands typically gather to watch the “drag queen drop” and performances by female impersonators. Visit www.bourbonstpub.com/newyearseve.html.

In Key West’s Historic Seaport New Year’s Eve merriment salutes the island’s colourful seafaring history. As midnight approaches, a pirate wench is lowered from the top of a tall ship’s mast as cannons boom and the ship’s pirate crew cheers her descent. Other attractions include live music, dancing and festivities at Schooner Wharf Bar. www.schoonerwharf.com.

Blackwater Sound in Key Largo is the setting for the Upper Keys’ annual New Year’s Eve fireworks extravaganza. The sparkling sky display is hosted by bayside restaurants Sundowners, Señor Frijoles, Cactus Jack’s, Gus’ Grille at the Marriott Key Largo Beach Resort and the Caribbean Club. www.keylargofireworks.com.

For a casually elegant New Year’s Eve celebration, Islamorada’s Cheeca Lodge & Spa is planning a midnight fireworks display. Known for its renowned cuisine and beachside location, Cheeca is an ideal spot for revellers and romantics to ring in 2012. www.cheeca.com.

For further holiday and New Year’s Eve events, visit www.fla-keys.com/calendarofevents. For further information on the Florida Keys, visit www.fla-keys.co.uk.

-Ends-

November 2011

FOR MEDIA INFORMATION ONLY:

For more information and images, please contact Jo Thomas at the Florida Keys & Key West UK Press Office on 01825 763636 jo.thomas@kbc-pr.com