Ring in the New Year Florida style! Grab your dancing flip-flops and prepare to party, because the Sunshine State offers celebrations galore, in a vast variety - from family-friendly gatherings to glamorous balls to bashes by the beach. Check out these offerings:

·    Amelia Island: This gala New Year’s Eve Celebration at the Ritz Carlton features lavish food, live music, dancing, an open bar and fireworks. It will be reminiscent of the legendary Truman Capote Black & White Ball of 1966 when Capote invited 540 celebrity friends to wear black and white masks to celebrate “a night to remember.” The ballroom will have a black and white dance floor and a festive décor to create a unique experience. Black and White attire is encouraged. Masks will be provided but guests are welcome to design their own masks to add to the festive atmosphere.

·    Fort Lauderdale: The New Year's Eve Downtown Countdown takes place on SW 2nd Street, between SW 2nd Avenue and SW 4th Avenue. At the stroke of midnight, a lighted ball drops from the sky – and the fun is just beginning!

·    Fort Myers: All aboard for Seminole Gulf Railway’s New Year’s Murder Mystery Dinner Train Party. Tickets include a five-course dinner and a complimentary New Year’s toast.

·    Key Largo: New Year's Eve Fireworks on Blackwater Sound is hosted by Sundowners, Senor Frijoles, Cactus Jacks, Gus' Grille at the Marriott Key Largo Beach Resort and the Caribbean Club, MM 103-104. Check the website for upcoming details.

·    Key West: Nobody can throw a party like the southernmost city! New Year's Eve Celebrations on the island include a conch shell drop at Sloppy Joe's Bar, 201 Duval St.; a descending 6-foot red high heel shoe carrying drag queen Sushi at the Bourbon Street Pub/New Orleans House complex, 724 Duval St.; and a pirate wench descending from a tall ship mast in the island city's Historic Seaport.

·    Mexico Beach, Port St. Joe Beach and Port St. Joe: Double your fun with the Celebrate Safe - Celebrate Twice Beaches New Year's Eve! The party starts in the Eastern Time Zone in Port St. Joe and St. Joe Beach.  Celebrate all over again an hour later in the Central Time Zone, just five minutes west in Mexico Beach. Free shuttle busses will be carrying passengers to local hot spots. For further details contact the Gulf County Tourist Development Council at 850-229-7800 or the Mexico Beach Community Development Council at 850-648-8196.

·    Panama City Beach: The third annual Beach Ball Drop, hosted by Pier Park, embraces what the destination is all about - white sand beaches and family-friendly fun. An 800-pound glowing beach ball will descend 100 feet just before midnight. The festivities -free and open to the public - begin at 5:30 p.m. and include bounce houses, party favors, street performers, stilt walkers, face painters, live musical performances and a majestic midnight fireworks display. This beach bash also boasts a kids’ beach ball drop at 7:30 p.m.

·    Tampa:  Lowry Park Zoo is celebrating the New Year family style with their annual “Noon” Year’s Eve daytime celebration. The party begins when the Zoo opens with games, arts and crafts, live entertainment, educational displays and more. Families can ring in the New Year with noisemakers, hats and a juice toast as they watch a giant clock strike 12 p.m. NOON. Activities are included with Zoo admission.

If you don’t see a celebration nearby, don’t despair – your area probably offers at least one. There are far too many to list, and this is just a small sampling. Check the visitors’ services in your area.