JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Watching the fireworks show might be the easy part as we ring in the new year overnight Wednesday, but driving around and finding parking could be the real challenge.
New viewing spots along Jacksonville’s Southbank will give residents more options to watch the New Year’s Eve fireworks, but city officials are reminding people that parking and traffic downtown could be challenging.
Crowds are expected to build as spectators head to the riverfront, and drivers should be prepared for delays.
Bridge closures are set to begin late Wednesday night, so planning ahead is essential.
During the recent Light Boat Parade, some cars were towed from the Channel 4 lot because of limited access, underscoring the potential for congestion.
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For parking, garages are the safest option. Choices include the Water Street Garage, Ed Ball Garage on North Hogan Street, Yates Garage on East Adams Street, and the Duval Street Garage. A few surface lots are also available, though spaces may fill quickly.
One of the new viewing areas is RiversEdge, which opened in November. It provides extra space for spectators, but crowds are expected, so arriving early is recommended.
The fireworks are scheduled to begin at midnight, launching from a barge on the St. Johns River near the Main Street Bridge and from the Shipyards. The show is expected to last about 12 minutes.
Drivers should note that both the Main Street Bridge and the Acosta Bridge will close in all directions around 11:45 p.m., reopening after 12:30 a.m.
Several downtown streets, including Independent Street and Laura Street, will close starting at 10 p.m.
Boaters will not be permitted on the river between the bridges during the display.