Police issue advisory on New Year's parking, drinking, shooting

While reminding New Year’s Eve and early New Year's Day drivers about road closures and delays in and around downtown for the city’s annual Pineapple Drop merriment, Sarasota Police also took a moment on Monday to remind everyone to be smart in other ways as 2026 rolls in.

Sarasota’s signature New Year’s event lasts 12 hours, beginning at 1 p.m. and ramping up to the iconic crescendo, followed by fireworks over Sarasota Bay.

Police say drivers should expect roadway delays along the bayfront, on the Ringling Causeway and around downtown, beginning around 6 p.m.

Throughout the day and into the evening, Selby Five Points Park provides a range of options for food and drink, including amusement games and carnival rides, as well as full bars. Live bands will perform on several stages.

Roads will be closed beginning as early as 4 a.m. Tuesday and lasting until after sunrise on Jan. 1:

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

Image courtesy of Sarasota Police Department

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.

If your celebrations include alcohol, police recommend making designated-driver choices, using taxis or ride-service operators or free tow-home services. 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.

Police also remind more trigger-happy revelers that it’s never OK to fire weapons into the air. That’s an arrestable offense, officers remind us.