Fireworks on Pensacola Beach are back on!

Brandon Girod, Pensacola News Journal
·2 min read
Sertoma has handed the reigns of Pensacola's annual downtown Fourth of July fireworks show to the Greater Pensacola Chamber and the Pensacola Young Professionals, but the show should be no less spectacular.

If you're not sure where to go to celebrate New Year's Eve, why not try the beach?

After numerous requests from the beach business community, the Pensacola Beach Chamber of Commerce reversed its decision and will host a free firework display along the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk. Keep your eyes fixed over Santa Rosa Sound around midnight near the boardwalk to catch them.

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Initially, the chamber canceled the show due to budget restrictions and the dramatic increase in the costs of fireworks. While the chamber will sponsor the show, officials are asking for beach businesses and chamber members to help defray the cost.

“We received lots of feedback that this annual tradition must continue for years to come, no matter the rising cost,” said Meg Peltier, president and CEO of the beach chamber. “We are determined to do all we can to support our local beach businesses and beach community year-round.”

While you wait for the fireworks to start, there are plenty of options on the beach to keep you busy.

Start the day at Laguna's from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. where the beach bar and grill and entertainment park will have live music, beach balls to drop and more. Wristbands are available from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. for $34.99 a person and includes the rope course, zip rail, go-carts, the Clip' n Climb, bounce house and mini golf.

For dinner, grab a bite to eat at the Grand Marlin from 7 p.m. to midnight, which will have live music from Rod Hamilton and Jeff Crain, and makes for an excellent view of the sound.

Or from 8 p.m. to midnight, grab drinks at Bamboo Willies and check out the Hired Guns live.

Polar Bear Plunge

The Chamber’s annual Polar Bear Plunge will take place at 2 p.m. on New Year’s Day.

Hosted by Paradise Bar & Grill, hundreds of dippers and spectators – many dressed in costume – will flock to the beach to participate in this long-established tradition.

Registration begins at noon and the fee is $15 cash per person and participants will receive a Polar Bear Plunge t-shirt. For a $10 registration donation visitors can participate without the t-shirt. There is a $5 Cub Club for grades 5 and under. All proceeds go to the Pensacola Beach Chamber of Commerce.

This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: New Year's Eve in Pensacola: Pensacola Beach fireworks are back