SWFL prepares for New Year’s Eve festivities

DOWNTOWN FORT MYERS

The sights and sounds of 2019 are approaching.

“It’s great that we have our own ball drop,” Diana Harrison said. “We don’t have to share it with New York.”

The NYE Downtown Countdown in Fort Myers is expected to have a large crowd. And with all the big festivities happening, there is an even bigger emphasis on safety this year.

“Honestly, the things that happened at Zombie Con and I’m kind of afraid of it actually,” Sylvia Dunnigan said, a Fort Myers resident. “I don’t think it would be for me a safe place that I would feel in coming. Plus alcohol and all that stuff, so I feel a lot comfortable and safer at home.”

The Fort Myers Police Department is adding an increase in surveillance and patrols.

Traffic is also a concern. Many roads downtown have been blocked off to make way for vendors.

Still, local restaurants are also gearing up for business and look forward to welcome those to their establishments to celebrate the start of 2019. 10 Twenty Five owner, Chad Zollinger, plans to have his soft opening specifically on New Year’s Eve at his Cape Coral restaurant.

“We thought it was a good opportunity for us to get a test and see how well we do and get a little bit of excitement and a little fun,” Zollinger said. “You can’t mess up when everybody’s having a good time.”

MORE: Places to celebrate New year’s Eve in SWFL

Fort Myers Mayor Randy Henderson said everyone should just come out and enjoy.

“Relax and take in your beautiful city,” Henderson said. “We’re the safest place we’ve been in the history of the city. We have all kinds of technology that has been deployed that keep us safer.”

FORT MYERS BEACH