New Year’s Eve Celebration Safety Reminders and Road Closures

Published on December 29, 2025

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December 29, 2025

The men and women of the Sarasota Police Department are working to ensure the community can enjoy a safe start to the new year. Officers are encouraging residents and visitors to avoid driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol and to refrain from discharging firearms in the air to celebrate the arrival of 2026.

The annual Pineapple Drop takes place at midnight in downtown Sarasota at Lemon Avenue and Main Street, followed by a fireworks show over the Bayfront. The Sarasota Police Department asks those planning to attend the festivities to leave backpacks, coolers and alcohol at home.

Some individuals celebrate the arrival of the new year by firing a weapon into the air. This practice, known as celebratory gunfire, is dangerous and illegal. What goes up must come down. A bullet fired into the air will eventually fall and the unintended consequences can be tragic. It is against the law to discharge a firearm in the City of Sarasota. Violators can expect to be arrested.

If your holiday celebrations include consuming alcohol, make plans not to drive while impaired. Safer and less expensive transportation options include using a designated driver, taking a taxi or using AAA’s free Tow to Go service. In Sarasota, Tow to Go is available by calling 1-855-2-TOW-2-GO (1-855-286-9246). Tow to Go is available through 6 a.m. Friday, Jan. 2. The Sarasota Police Department will have an increased presence and there will be zero tolerance for impaired driving.

Several roads will be closed for the annual Pineapple Drop on Dec. 31, 2025. Vehicles not removed by the posted time will be towed at the owner’s expense. For information on towed vehicles, call Upman’s Towing at 941-365-7084.

Drivers should expect traffic delays on Bayfront, the John Ringling Bridge and throughout downtown beginning around 6 p.m. on Dec. 31. The following road closures will be in effect for the Pineapple Drop between Dec. 29, 2025, and Jan. 1, 2026:

4 a.m. Dec. 30 to 4 a.m. Jan. 1:

  • Pineapple Avenue from First Street to the roundabout
  • First Street from Pineapple Avenue to Central Avenue
  • Central Avenue from First Street to the roundabout

4 a.m. Dec. 31 to 9 a.m. Jan. 1:

  • Main Street from Orange Avenue to Palm Avenue
  • Lemon Avenue from First Street to State Street
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