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Diversions

New Year's Eve: something for everyone

Whether it's a toast at midnight, an evening of dressing dangerously or a day with the kids, check out a New Year's Eve activity just for you.

By Sharon Kennedy Wynne
Published December 28, 2006

New Year's Eve, just like resolutions, can be whatever you make it. While some may stick close to home, a lot of options are out on the town. Feeling seriously naughty? Check out the skimpy-clothing-please party at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. Want to include the kids but before bedtime? Try the lunchtime countdown to "Noon" Year's Eve at the Lowry Park Zoo. Here are highlights gleaned from the hundreds of parties erupting around the bay area Sunday. But take this gentle reminder - a call to 1-800-222-4357 (AAA-HELP) will bring out a AAA tow truck and ride home, free of charge.

TAKE THE KIDS

First Night St. Petersburg

By far the most comprehensive event, the family-friendly activities include stages for music and drama, games, art and fireworks all displayed across a range of downtown venues , starting at 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $8 for adults in advance, $10 Sunday. Tickets for ages 6-12 are $5. Children younger than 5 are free. Visit www.firstnightstpete.com to plan your night because you won't be able to see everything.

TECO Energy Parade

Once again, Ybor City is the site of the family festivities that kick off the Outback Bowl. A parade with 20 marching bands struts up Seventh Avenue starting at 5:30 p.m. No coolers or open alcohol containers.

'Noon' Year's Eve

Countdown to noon with a juice toast at Lowry Park Zoo , 1101 W Sligh Ave., Tampa. 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Free with regular zoo admission of $14.95 adults, $10.50 for ages 3-11. (813) 935-8552.

Watch Night

Mount Zion Progressive Missionary Baptist Church in St. Petersburg begins its Watch Night celebration at 9 p.m., harkening back to the Dec. 31, 1862 service when slaves gathered near midnight to celebrate the Emancipation Proclamation, which took effect on Jan. 1, 1863. Gospel comedian Linwood Williams will be the keynote act in an evening of Christian entertainment at the church, 955 20th St. S. (727) 894-4311.

Busch Gardens

Besides the usual rides and theme park attractions, the park will have music, fireworks and shows by Darren Romeo, "The Voice of Magic , " presented by Siegfried and Roy, and music by the Southtown Fever in Gwazi Park. A lso , guests can enjoy a firework display at midnight at 3605 Bougainvillea Ave., Tampa. $61.95 adults, $51.95 children ages 3-9. Florida resident discounts online at www.buschgardens.com.

MUSIC

Sevendust

The alternative rockers play St. Petersburg's outdoor concert venue Jannus Landing, with in walking distance of the city's First Night activities. 8:30 p.m. at 16 Second St. N. $32.50 advance; $35 door. ( 727) 896-2276 or www.jannuslandingconcerts.com.

Donna the Buffalo

Community radio station WMNF-FM 88.5 throws its annual bash with the rootsy folk-rockers. 9 p.m. The Coliseum, 535 Fourth Ave. N, St. Petersburg. $35 advance, $45 door. (727) 892-5902 or www.wmnf.org .

Florida Orchestra

The elegant night dubbed "Evening in Vienna, an Imperial Ball" is at the newly remodeled Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg. A 7 p.m. reception starts off a Viennese-inspired program, a gourmet dinner, music, dancing, c hampagne and midnight fireworks. Tickets for the black-tie event are $400 and $750. Reservations: (813) 286-1170, ext. 340. Warning: This one was close to a sell-out at press time.

Jake Owen

The country singer ( Yee Haw ) will headline a concert at the Dallas Bull, 3322 U. S. 301 N , east of Tampa. $20-$25. (813) 987-2855 or www.dallasbull.com.

Southern Culture on the Skids

The witty Southern rockers who sing odes to plastic seat sweat and dirt track dates headline the New Year's Party at Skipper's Smokehouse. Admission includes party favors, c hampagne at midnight and breakfast. Doors open at 8:45 p.m., $40-$50.

ADULTS ONLY

Jackson's

For the "see and be scene" crowd, Pied Piper Productions hosts a party with Vegas-style choreographed shows, several DJs, live music, fireworks and a buffet, 9 p.m.-3 a.m., Jackson's Bistro, 601 S Harbour Island Blvd., Tampa. $25-$35. (813) 265-1234.

Naughty New Year's

The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino usually registers a high number of hotties for its parties , which can go on until the next morning because Indian reservations don't have to observe l ast call. Starting at 8 p.m., enjoy live DJs, mermaids and goddesses of fire, gift giveaways, a c hampagne toast and two ball drops for a party slated to last until 5 a.m. ; Seminole Hard Rock Casino, 5223 N Orient Road, Tampa; $75. Call (813) 627-7625 or visit www.hardrocknewyears.com.

13 Ugly Men bash

This year's party features an orchestra playing famous Rat Pack tunes. All proceeds will benefit the Children's Dream Fund. 8 p.m.-3 a.m., Renaissance Tampa Hotel at International Plaza, Tampa. $100 for women, $150 for men. toll-free 1-866-530-5705 or www.13uglymen.com.

Improv

Last Comic Standing star Alonzo Bodden plays host for the comedy club's party. The 7:30 dinner show is $49 per person/$95 per couple, and the 10 p.m. New Year's Eve party is $45 per person/$80 per couple, including a platter of nibbles, c hampagne toast and party favors. (813) 864-4000 or www.tampaimprov.com.

DJ Baby Anne

The Amphitheater, one of Ybor City's noisiest club scenes, brings in popular female DJ Baby Anne and fellow mixmaster Jen Lasher for a South Beach-worthy dance party. Includes a midnight c hampagne toast and balloon drop. Dress to impress. $25, www.amphitheaterybor.com.

Jazzy New Year's

Dinner, dancing and music by Eric Darius, Bobby Lyle and Nadia Darius, 7:30 p.m.-1 a.m., A La Carte Pavilion, 4050 Dana Shores Drive, Tampa. $100-$120. (813) 494-6634.

Mojo Gurus

The bluesy rockers play the Ringside Cafe, 2742 Fourth St. N, St. Petersburg, starting at 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 at the door, with complimentary c hampagne and a Mojo Gurus CD. (727) 894-8465.

Gulfport Casino

Swing into the New Year celebration at a multi g enerational event where vintage costumes are encouraged. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., and dance lessons begin at 8 (no partner needed). Music and dancing begin at 9 and continue until 1 a.m. A $15 ticket pays for refreshments, a c h ampagne toast, party favors and the midnight countdown. 5500 Shore Blvd. S, Gulfport. Information: www.swingtimeinfo.com or (813) 274-4950 .

Aqua-Eve

Don chic attire for the Florida Aquarium party and midnight dinner. Live entertainment, drinks and fireworks. 9 p.m.-1 a.m., Florida Aquarium, 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa; $90. (813) 273-4568.

The Black Honkeys

The popular local band plays the Chic-a-Boom Room at Kelly's for Just About Anything, 319 Main St. , Dunedin. $30 advance, $35 at the door. Balloon drop, c hampagne toast, buffet and party favors. (727) 736-0206.

[Last modified December 27, 2006, 11:33:03]