Issue #279: Unique NYE Drops, Kid Celebrations, Beach Warnings & a Dog’s Journey Home

12/31/2024

Author

Ted Grellner
31 Dec

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In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel
Local Pulse

Our Event Calendar

Local News

— Festive Fruits and Pirate Treasure: Tampa Bay Rings in 2025 with Unique New Year’s Eve Drops

— Early Countdowns and Big Smiles: Kid-Friendly New Year’s Eve Celebrations in Tampa Bay

Of Interest

— Beware the Sting: Portuguese Man o' War Season Hits Florida BeachesSports

— Emotional Reunion: Dog Missing After Hurricane Milton Returns Home After 86 Days

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Festive Fruits and Pirate Treasure: Tampa Bay Rings in 2025 with Unique New Year’s Eve Drops

Tampa Bay is set to welcome 2025 with quirky New Year’s Eve traditions, offering locals and visitors unique alternatives to Times Square’s famous ball drop.

In Sarasota, the beloved Pineapple Drop returns at Lemon Avenue and Main Street. This free event kicks off at 1 p.m., featuring live music, food vendors, and festivities leading up to the illuminated pineapple’s midnight descent.

Plant City will debut its inaugural Strawberry Drop, celebrating its agricultural roots. From 7 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., attendees can enjoy live entertainment, food, and a kid-friendly zone with games and inflatables.

Meanwhile, in Tampa, Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park hosts the Booty Drop, featuring a massive 3D projection of a glowing treasure chest descending Rivergate Tower.

Across Florida, other highlights include a Shrimp Drop on Amelia Island, a Beach Ball Drop in Panama City Beach, and Key West’s Shoe and Conch Shell Drops.

These festivities promise a vibrant start to 2025.

Early Countdowns and Big Smiles: Kid-Friendly New Year’s Eve Celebrations in Tampa Bay

Families in Tampa Bay have plenty of kid-friendly options to ring in 2025 without staying up until midnight. Here are some top picks:

  • New Year's at Noon (Great Explorations Children's Museum) | 10:30 a.m.–Noon | Crafts, games, and a noon countdown ($18 per person).

  • Downtown Countdown (Glazer Children’s Museum) | 9:30 a.m.–3 p.m. | Balloon drops and themed crafts (included with admission).

  • ZooTampa's New Year Celebration | 10 a.m.–4 p.m. | Hourly countdowns, a DJ, and giveaways.

  • Legoland Kids' New Year's Eve | Dec. 26–31 | 8 p.m. fireworks and a countdown.

  • Noon Year’s Eve on The Lost Pearl | 11 a.m. Cruise | Juice toast and cannonball drop ($40 adults, $45+ kids).

  • Armature Works Noon Year’s Eve | 11 a.m.–3 p.m. | Smoke fireworks, bounce houses, and face painting.

  • Altitude Glo Party | 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m. | Balloon drop and trampoline fun.

For virtual fun, families can enjoy countdowns on Netflix, PBS Kids, and Twinkle Kids' TV on YouTube.

These events ensure kids can celebrate without missing bedtime!

Beware the Sting: Portuguese Man o' War Season Hits Florida Beaches

Visitors planning a trip to Florida's beaches this season should stay alert—Portuguese man o' wars are washing ashore. These vibrant, jellyfish-like creatures have long, venomous tentacles that can deliver excruciating stings, even weeks after they've washed up.

According to Chris Dunn, a lieutenant with Martin County Ocean Rescue, winter storms push these creatures from the Gulf Stream onto the beaches. Purple flags are often raised to signal dangerous marine life.

Dunn advises beachgoers to stay vigilant: "They’re distinctive—you can spot them and avoid stings just by staying aware" (perhaps even wearing shoes for protection)

Whether in the water or on the sand, caution is key for a sting-free beach day.

Emotional Reunion: Dog Missing After Hurricane Milton Returns Home After 86 Days

After 86 days of uncertainty, a Ruskin family is celebrating the return of their beloved redbone coonhound, Miles, who went missing during Hurricane Milton.

During the storm, Miles and three other dogs escaped through a damaged fence. While the others returned, Miles remained lost. His brother, Curtis, visibly mourned his absence, spending days gazing out the window in sadness.

Hope reignited when Jinger Gordon and Kent Hickman from Beach Paws Rescue spotted a Facebook post about a skeletal-looking red hound stranded near railroad tracks. The couple, familiar with the area from fishing trips, embarked on a two-mile trek and miraculously found Miles.

Deborah Newell rushed to the scene with Curtis’ blanket, food, and water. After moments of gentle coaxing, Miles emerged from the bushes and fell into Newell’s arms.

Now safely home, Miles is recovering and slowly reconnecting with his furry family.

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