Miami Beach is one of the top destinations in the world to help ring in the New Year. Police are getting prepared to deal with the thousands of revelers flocking to the city.
As traffic continues to get heavier and thousands of people head into town, Miami Beach Police want to make sure everyone has a good time, but remember, safety first.
It's a different kind of a hybrid: half police car, half taxi. It's a friendly reminder to choose your ride wisely for New Year's celebrations.
"It's a simple message. Drive sober or get pulled over. The front half of the vehicle, which is a police vehicle, tells you if we were to pick you up for drinking and driving, the average cost of a DUI runs $20,000. The average taxi cab fair is $20," said Officer Ernesto Rodriguez with MBPD.
Miami Beach Police will be out in full force, making sure both residents and visitors are safe. As always, officers are on the lookout for drunk drivers and drug recognition experts will be scattered across the city.
"In addition to heavy DUI saturation, we'll also have drug recognition experts. These are officers with special qualifications to recognize signs of impairment due to narcotics," Officer Rodriguez explained.
Ocean Drive will also be shut down for vehicles from 7 a.m. New Year's Eve until 7 a.m. Monday.
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"The purpose of that is to come out, be responsible, park your vehicle. Get into your taxi and enjoy. Walk out to Ocean Drive with your family and friends and enjoy," Officer Rodriguez said.
While dozens of parties will be taking place around Miami Beach, thousands plan to ring in the New Year at Bayfront Park with Pitbull and a star-studded lineup.
Wednesday afternoon, preparations, sound checks and some final touches were done on the main stage before the crowds flock to countdown to midnight Miami-style.
"This is one event you will not want to miss out. The best part, it's completely free. Everyone is invited, bring your friends, kids, neighbors, everyone," said Karina Mestre with Bayfront Park Management.
The celebration at Bayfront Park begins at 4 p.m.
The Big Orange is already set up to make its way to the top of the Intercontinental Hotel. When the clock strikes midnight, fireworks will light up Biscayne Bay.
