New Year's Fun and More

By Abby Baker

Find links for signing up for these events — and many, many other things to do — online at thegabber.com/events.

Thursday, December 31

Gulfport Fireworks Show Safely Blasts Off A dazzling display of fireworks in Gulfport, but make it socially distant. Amid COVID-19 guidelines and safety protocols, the City of Gulfport will host a New Year’s firework display. There will be no street closures or additional events this year. Gulfport officials encourage locals to view the 20-minute show distantly, or virtually via Facebook Live at fb.com/mygulfport. Williams Pier, 5400 Shore Blvd. S., Gulfport. 8 p.m. MR SD

A Sloppy Good Time in Treasure Island 2021 is upon us! Ring in the New Year with live music by Stormbringer, fireworks and a sandy seaside party, all at Sloppy Joe’s on the Beach. The band will start by 9 p.m., and celebratory explosions commence at 12 a.m. Sloppy Joe’s on the Beach, 10650 Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island, 9 p.m.-1 a.m. MR

Raise the Roof in 2021 FUSION Resort & Marina is taking the ordinary party to the next level, literally. Enjoy a rooftop terrace as you say goodbye to the past 12 months, dance to live music featuring the always fun Carl Motyka and indulge on complimentary appetizers throughout the night. Tickets available on the day of the event by cash only and based on availability. FUSION Resort & Marina, 290 107th Ave., Treasure Island. 7:30 p.m.-midnight.

New Year’s Bash for Students: Celebrate the New Year Till Sunrise Middle and high school students will get the chance to start their 2021 off right with a New Year’s Eve Bash that will last all night. Unite Student Ministries will provide games, prizes, snacks, music and lots of fun all the way till 8 a.m. Fifth Avenue Baptist Church, 4901 5th Ave. N., St. Petersburg. 8 p.m.-8 a.m.

Friday, January 1

Art Walking into 2021: A Downtown Gulfport Favorite It’s the perfect collision: End New Year’ Day at the First Friday Art Walk. This monthly juried art show welcomes emerging and professional artists in all media – in a safe, creative and socially distanced manner. The Gulfport Merchants Chamber of Commerce, who sponsors the event, has safety protocols in place, so come listen to live music up and down Beach Boulevard. Follow the flags for artist clusters, displaying paintings, jewelry, glass, mixed media sculpture and other art. Downtown Waterfront District, 5500 Shore Blvd. S., Gulfport. 5-9

Start the Year Clean in Treasure Island The 3.82 miles of land that make up Treasure Island Beach will be getting a fresh start in 2021. Anywhere from 50 to 75 environmentally conscious attendees will cover this coastal zone for the Treasure Island is Litter Free event. As the sun is setting, participants will hold hands to celebrate a debris-free start to 2021. Bring your own reusable water bottles and sunglasses; you’ll be assigned a spot once you register. Treasure Island Beach, Treasure Island Causeway, Treasure Island. 3:30-5 p.m.

The City of Gulfport’s next in-person and virtual council meeting is Tuesday, January 5, at 6 p.m. at the Hickman Theater, 5501 27th Ave. S. Attend in person, space permitting, or participate virtually. Get a copy of the agenda on the city’s website on December 31 (mygulfport.us), email ldemuth@mygulfport.us or call 727-893-1012.

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