MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – As the first sunrise of the year beams over downtown Miami, South Floridians reflect on the past and look toward a fresh start.
“It’s very profound for me I guess… It’s a new year,” said Akada, a Miami resident.
For many, the new year symbolizes a new beginning. Even as evidence of Tuesday night’s celebrations remain, hope and anticipation fill the air.
“This last year was very terrible, but I believe that this year will be better,” Akada added.
The Big Orange, which rose over the Magic City at the stroke of midnight, is now back on the ground after scaling the Intercontinental Hotel.
The New Year’s Eve party at Bayfront Park was bigger than ever, featuring a packed lineup of 28 musical acts and twice the fireworks from last year. The Bayfront Park Fountain, a fan favorite, was also refurbished and restored for the occasion.
As the Big Orange made its ascent, the crowd cheered, their voices echoing into the new year.
In Fort Lauderdale, the 20-foot, 800-pound structure containing 12,000 LED lights also dropped at midnight, marking the city’s own celebration.
“Later on it gets a little crazy, but right now it’s very family-oriented,” said Angel Bishop, who attended the Fort Lauderdale event.
Yoann Tanguy, visiting from France, shared the sentiment. “It was a dream of my wife. She wanted to go to Florida. So that’s why we came with our family.”
The start of the new year also brings a wave of resolutions.
“I want to get, because I’m in school, and I want to get more scholarships, and get A’s and B’s,” said Isabel Figuerero, a local attendee.
With plenty of fun, food, and hope in the air, 2025 officially begins, full of possibilities.
“It’s going to be really hard to learn how to say 2025 instead of 2024,” said Layla Wilmot, another event-goer.
“I think that we need to have a positive mindset and have lots of fun in 2025,” added vendor Sandy Roth.