MIAMI (WSVN) - Less than 24 hours remain until the new year, and South Florida is getting ready to ring it in.
Friday afternoon, rehearsals were underway at Bayfront Park, in Downtown Miami, for Pitbull’s New Year’s Revolution, a concert headlined by Miami-born rapper Pitbull.
Tracy Cassell and her husband, Chris Cassell, are among the thousands of revelers expected to attend Saturday night’s extravaganza. “[I’m] excited for 2017, and I want to see a fun concert,” said Tracy Cassell.
More than 150,000 people are expected to attend the free event. Queen Latifah, Snoop Dogg and other renowned hip-hop artists are scheduled to perform before the Big Orange rises at the stroke of midnight.
Tracy and her husband, Chris Cassell, who just moved to Miami a month ago, said they are ready to see Pitbull perform on New Year’s Eve.
“We don’t always do it this big,” Chris said. “This is big time, this is Miami, you know? It doesn’t get bigger than this. I’m expecting a great concert with a great show, you know? Ring in the new year with Pitbull.
The couple came to get a sneak preview of the stage for Pitbull’s annual New Year’s Eve Revolution.
“It’s called Revolution because we want to ‘unmute’ New Years and make it the new New Year’s,” said Pitbull, “take it from the Big Apple to the pineapple and make Miami the mecca.”
Joining Mr. Worldwide on stage this year will be Queen Latifah and Snoop Dogg.
Salt-N-Pepa will also be performing for the crowds.
In Fort Lauderdale, crews put the finishing touches on the annual Orange Bowl Downtown Countdown. The free, family-friendly festival will feature a larger-than-life illuminated anchor that will descend from 100 feet in the air.
“People love to be down here. They love to be celebrating with family and friends,” said Fort Lauderdale Mayor Jack Seiler. “It’s one of those events where we really put the emphasis on family.”
The event will be held along Southwest Second Street, between Southwest Second and Fifth avenues. Festivities are set to start Saturday, at 3:30 p.m.
There will be plenty of entertainment all leading up to the anchor drop at midnight.
As you make your New Year’s Eve plans, make sure to stay safe.
City of Miami Commissioner and Bayfront Park Chairman Frank Carollo advised revelers to use public transportation to head to Downtown Miami. “Take advantage of our mass transit. Metrorail, Metromover, they’re going to be operating until the wee hours of the night,” he said. “Come down, leave your keys at home, your cars at home, and have a great time with the family.”
For more information on how to get around safely, click here.
And if you plan to use fireworks, here are some safety tips.
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