MIAMI – Thousands came out Monday night for massive New Year Eve's celebrations across South Florida.
In Miami, hip-hop star Pitbull, also known as Mr. 305, hosted a free concert and fireworks display in Bayfront Park. The celebration began around noon and was expected to wrap up around 2 a.m. Tuesday. The Miami Police Department was out in force to provide security for the event.
"We’re going to have SWAT teams on top of these buildings, lot of SWAT. We’re going to have marine patrols," Miami City Commissioner Joe Carollo said before the festivities.
At midnight, as fireworks erupted over the Miami skyline, the Big Orange scaled the side of the Intercontinental Hotel for the 33rd year in a row.
"I’ve got the orange, I’ve got Pitbull. Happy new year! You don't need anything more. No, not at all," said Jess Ickes who was camped at Bayfront Park.
In Fort Lauderdale, the city literally dropped anchor as fireworks lit up Esplanade Park.
In Key West, unconventional drops have now become the new norm. The Keys featured everything from a drag queen descending in a giant glass heel to a conch shell lowering from the top of the famous Ernest Hemingway hangout, Sloppy Joe’s.