Residents in Miami, Broward ring in the New Year

MIAMI (WSVN) -- Residents and visitors are waking up after gathering to ring in the New Year, South Florida style.

"Oh you have to lights and fire works and excitement," said Vanessa Towne, who celebrated New Year's Eve.

Revelers gathered at a free, family-friendly event at Bayfront Park in Downtown Miami. Numerous Latin dishes and American classic foods were served at this location.

During the day, Spanish dancers kept people entertained, while marching band members filled the streets with music. Miami mayor agrees that there is no better place to celebrate than in Miami. "Because the weather is much better than New York, I'm sure," said Miami Mayor Tomás Regalado.

Ed Meredith traveled all the way to Miami from Columbus, OH. He dressed in green from head to toe to ring in the New Year Miami style. Meredith said he could sum up why he chose to come to Miami instead of Las Vegas or New in one word. "I can explain that in one word... cold," he said.

While the Big Orange climbed to the top of Downtown Miami's Hotel Inter-Continental at midnight, rapper Pitbull held a New Year's Eve concert a few blocks away at the Hyde Lounge of the American Airlines Arena. Large crowds also gathered on South Beach.

Broward County revelers viewed the big ball drop in downtown Fort Lauderdale. One hundred thousand people attended the festivities, which will also featured autograph signings by professional football players and a big dance floor. Children's events aimed earlier in the day included face paintings and field-goal kicking. "We feel this is a very safe place to spend New Year's, said Fort Lauderdale Mayor John P. Seiler.

Gulfstream Park's free events in Hallandale Beach included a light show and a ball drop all their own.

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