Pier Park is gearing up for the new year with its first ever Beach Ball Drop. The eight foot illuminated beach ball will descend down a 148-foot tall crane to count-down the new year!!

The ball is on its way from Tampa and Pier Park management plans to hang it on the crane Monday or Tuesday.

Jimmy Buffet's Margaretville is sponsoring the festivities kick off at 6:30pm with a street party and fireworks.

The Bay County Tourist Development Council is hoping to draw a large new year's crowd for the inaugural beach ball drop at Pier Park.

"Why take your family anywhere else when you have anything you need. Our restaurants will be open. There will be fun to be had. Come and enjoy the resorts. Come and enjoy the sand. Come and enjoy that beach ball,"

Felicia cook, Pier Park’s director of marketing and business development said.

Pier Park New Year’s Eve events:

5:30-8:30 pm- Margaretville house Band, Stilt Walkers, Balloon Artists, Face Painters, Bounce Houses.

9pm-1am- R&B Rhythm All Stars from Tallahassee will perform.

The Florida lottery prize zone going on all night.