SPD warns about New Year's Eve street closures, illegal celebrating

The Sarasota Police Department is reminding the public about practicing safety and about street closures surrounding New Year’s Eve celebrations.

The annual Pineapple Drop will be held in downtown at Lemon Avenue and Main Street. Several roads will be closed in preparation for and during the Pineapple Drop on New Year's Eve. Parked vehicles not removed within the closure areas by the posted time will be towed at the owners’ expense.

Closures between 9 a.m. Dec. 29 and 9 a.m., Jan. 1 are:

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

Closures between 4 a.m. Dec. 31 and 9 a.m. Jan. 1 are:

• State Street from Lemon Avenue to the public parking garage.
• Main Street from Orange Avenue to the roundabout.
• Lemon Avenue from First Street to Pineapple Avenue.

The SPD warns residents against celebratory gunfire, which poses danger from falling bullets. Additionally, it is illegal to fire a weapon in the city limits and violators will be arrested. 

Police will also be on the lookout for impaired drivers. Those who drink are advised to be accompanied by a designated driver or take a taxi, use a ride providing service or take advantage of the free Tow to Go”service offered by AAA. For Tow to Go in Sarasota, call 1-855-286-9246.