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New Year's Eve Celebrations

By Times Staff Writer
Published December 28, 2007

13 Ugly Men

The 13 Ugly Men welcome in 2008 at the annual Resolution Ball. The party includes heavy hors d'oeuvres, live entertainment and a breakfast buffet. Guests can also win a $10,000 diamond. Proceeds will help to raise funds for the Children's Dream Fund. 8:30 p.m.-3 a.m.; Renaissance Hotel International Plaza, 4200 Jim Walter Blvd., Tampa; $125 for women, $175 for men. Call 744-6496 or visit 13uglymen.com.

Theme Parks

Lowry Park Zoo: The zoo wants to be sure that even the little tykes enjoy New Year's Eve. Noon Year's Eve is a celebration with games, arts and crafts, live entertainment, educational displays and a juice toast at noon. 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m.; Lowry Park Zoo, 1101 W Sligh Ave., Tampa; $14.50-$18.95; Call 935-8552 or visit lowryparkzoo.com.

Busch Gardens: The theme park counts down to 2008 with a zoo of a party. There will be extended hours with rides, food and a midnight fireworks display. Also included are performances by Rhythm Nation, Theatricks and Sideswipe. 10 a.m.-1 a.m.; Busch Gardens, 10001 N McKinley Drive, Tampa; $64.95 for adults, $54.95 child for children. Call 1-888-800-5447 or visit buschgardens.com.

West Tampa

Black-tie party: The West Tampa Convention Center sponsors a New Year's Eve extravaganza presented by Picka Tree Productions. The event will feature a dinner, champagne toast, party favors and a best-dressed-couple contest. 9 p.m.-3 a.m.; West Tampa Convention Center, 3005 W Columbus Drive, Tampa; $50. 319-3951.

Harbour Island

Jackson's: Pied Piper Productions puts on its fourth-annual New Year's Eve bash with live performers, music, a champagne toast, midnight fireworks and more. 9 p.m.-3 a.m.; Jackson's Bistro, Tampa. Call 265-1234 or visit piedpiperproductions.com.

Marriott Tampa Waterside: The hotel counts down the hours to the new year with a little help from live DJs Stevie B, Chris Craze, and Santana. The 18,000-square-foot grand ballroom will transform into a party room. 9 p.m.-2 a.m.; Tampa Marriott Waterside, 700 S Florida Ave., Tampa; $50. Call 781-6335.

Ybor City

TECO Energy Parade and Band Blast: Ybor City is the site of a festive celebration featuring the TECO Energy Parade and a pep rally by the college marching bands and cheerleaders. The parade will feature floats and 20 marching bands. The parade starts at 5:30 p.m. and runs along Seventh Avenue. No coolers, glass containers or open alcohol are allowed on streets. Free. Visit www.outbackbowl.com.

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino

Poolside party: The hotel hosts a party featuring DJ Rockstar, food, drinks and live entertainment. Also included is a magic show by Deryn Legend. 8 p.m.; Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino pool, 5223 N Orient Road, Tampa; $75. Call 843-1899.

After party: Floyd's nightclub wants to keep the festivities going by throwing an after-party featuring DJ Ivano Bellini and resident DJs, Santana and Chris Craze. The party will also have a live 3 a.m. telecast and champagne toast for New Year's on the west coast. 2 a.m.-7 a.m.; Floyds at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, 5223 N Orient Road, Tampa; $50. Call 732-4647.

Channel District

Channelside will "Light Up Tampa Bay" on New Year's Eve with live entertainment and a midnight fireworks show and ball drop along the downtown Tampa waterfront. Events will take place throughout the day. For information, call Channelside at 223-4250.

Florida Aquarium: The aquarium invites guests to splash into the new year by celebrating at the Aqua-Eve party. The party features live music, complimentary food, beer and wine along with a champagne toast and a fireworks display over the channel at midnight. 9 p.m.-1 a.m.; Florida Aquarium, 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa; $100. Call 273-4030 or visit flaquarium.org.

Hyde Park

Hyde Park Cafe: The popular nightclub celebrates with a Latin flair. The fiesta features special guests DJs Mau and Fuentes. 9 p.m.; Hyde Park Cafe, 1806 W Platt St., Tampa, $15-$20. Call 254-2233 or thehydeparkcafe.com.

SoHo

Whiskey Park Soho: Whiskey Park says goodbye to 2007 and hello to 2008 with a live feed from New York City on more than 20 video screens, hats, noisemakers, party decorations and music all night. 5 p.m.-3 a.m.; 720 S Howard Ave., Tampa; $10. Call 259-9669 or visit whiskeyparksoho.com.

MacDinton's: The Irish pub's party features a DJ, a complimentary champagne toast at midnight and more. 9 p.m.-1:30 a.m. MacDinton's Irish Pub, 405 S Howard Ave., Tampa; free. Call 251-8999.

Lime: The Brazilian-inspired restaurant transforms into party central. The party features Miami-based DJ Eric Cire, heavy hors d'oeuvres , an open bar and a champagne toast at midnight. 10 p.m.; Lime, 915 S Howard Ave., Tampa; $50. Call 868-5463.

Compiled by Jonathan Milton, Times Staff Writer

[Last modified December 28, 2007, 01:52:29]