Sunday Favorites: Ringing in the New Year, Florida Style

In Key West, residents gather in front of Sloppy Joe's on Duval Street to watch a six foot Queen Conch Shell drop from the top of the bar. The idea for this tradition came from a local artist named Tobias McGregor in 1993. He designed the original shell and the bar has been dropping a version of it ever since.

Another Key West New Year's tradition occurs at the 801 Saloon. Since the 1990s, a local drag queen named Sushi is dropped from the balcony in a ruby slipper. This establishment is also on Duval Street and also draws a crowd.

In Miami, a 35-foot piece neon sign in the shape of an orange wearing sunglasses is dropped 400 feet from the top of the Hotel Intercontinental Miami. Most people know the famous sign as "Mr. Neon." Another Miami New Year tradition occurs only in years when the Miami Heat play a home game on December 31, American Airlines Arena hosts a New Years' Eve basketball drop for those attending the game.

In Brooksville Florida, A 200-pound, fiberglass tangerine is dropped 40 feet at the Jerome Brown Community Center during the countdown to midnight. The tradition, which began in 2001, was meant to acknowledge the citrus industry that once thrived in Brooksville. The celebration carried on through 2009, when the tangerine was retired due to disrepair but will be returning this year after more than a decade-long hiatus.

In Sarasota, a glowing four foot by eight foot pineapple is dropped on Main Street every year. The pineapple features 500 bulbs and is the star of a festival that occurs on New Year's Eve. The pineapple did not make it to the party in 2011, but has appeared ever since.

In Winter Haven, at the popular theme park Legoland, a giant Lego brick this event is catered to the kiddos and happens earlier than the traditional 12 a.m., and also features dazzling fireworks displays, dance parties and special building activities.

That's it for now. I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season. See you next year!