Guide To Spending New Year's Eve 2016 In South Florida

Champagne corks are popping and fireworks bursting — it's none other than that time of the year to ring out the old and ring in the new. It may have been good or it may have been bad, but we have to say good-bye to 2015. Whether you choose to cruise or boogie down on the beachfront, here are some suggestions to assist your experience on the town as you welcome the arrival of 2016.

How To Get Around

Miami-Dade Transit (MDT)

Metrobus, Metrorail and Metromover schedules for New Year's Eve will be posted closer to the holiday. Call MDT at (305) 891-3131 to learn when they will be running. On New Year's Day 2016, public transportation will follow the Sunday Schedule.

Special Transportation Service (STS)

Special Transportation Service (STS) will run for disabled Miami-Dade County citizens as well as individuals visiting for the holiday if they live in a city that also provides STS. Visitors requesting the service must furnish proof of disability as well as something to show they live in an STS jurisdiction. In order to ensure eligibility, prior to visiting guests must call 305-630-5300 or email paratransit@miamidade.gov. The cost for this service remains $3.50 each way.

Where To See the Fireworks

Bayfront Park

Rapper Mr. 305 is hosting the largest New Year's Eve celebration in Miami at Bayfront Park. The crowd is expected to swell to 10,000 this year. This year's event is being held in conjunction with the Norwegian Worldwide Food & Wine Party. The two-day wine festival starts on Wednesday, Dec. 30.   This is a ticketed event that provides VIP early access seating for the New Year's Eve celebration until 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 31 when the event will then be opened to the public. Festivities begin at 8:00 p.m.

Fort Lauderdale's Downtown Countdown

For those who wish to make New Year's Celebration 2016 a family affair, pile everyone into the car and head to Fort Lauderdale for the annual Downtown Countdown. Several blocks leading up to the Orange Bowl are shut down for the eleven hour event, which is said to be the largest New Year's Eve celebration in the Southeast. Activities for kids include face painting and bounce houses from 4 - 8 p.m. They can even enjoy a special Orange Ball lighting ceremony at 7:00 p.m. There will be games, contests and line dancing for everyone. DJs will provide the music leading up to the official ball lighting countdown at midnight.

Related:  Best Family-Friendly New Year's Parties in South Florida

New Year's Eve Party Kits

Not everyone wants to spend a night on the town to welcome in the New Year. For those who want to throw their own bash, party packages are available. Bulk Party Supplies offers a Miami Nites New Year's Party Kit for fifty guests. The kit includes velour fedoras, foil glittered hi-hats, glittered plumed tiaras, nine-inch foil horns and flame resistant serpentine throws. Packages are available here.

Free Services

There are certain times of the year when traffic accidents tend to occur more often — the holiday season is especially prone to them. So always remember to drive responsibly. Should you, a friend or a loved one need a lift home, you can give AAA's free service, Tow To Go, a call at (855) 286-9246. They'll see that everyone gets there safely.

Related: Tow To Go" Over Thanksgiving Weekend

Ms. Clarke is an out-going, charismatic communicator and author of The Royalty Principle. Her personal testimony includes events which she refers to as "close encounters of the God kind." She has published Flash Fiction stories with Splickety Publishing Group and contributes to Examiner.com. Dylyce resides in Cocoa, Florida.