Going to see New Year's fireworks in downtown Jacksonville? Here's what you need to know.

Tom Szaroleta, Jacksonville Florida Times-Union
·3 min read
You'll be able to see the Jacksonville New Year's fireworks show from either side of the river in the downtown area.
You'll be able to see the Jacksonville New Year's fireworks show from either side of the river in the downtown area.

If you're planning to say goodbye to 2023, you better do it before the first big boom over the St. Johns River or you'll be too late.

Jacksonville's big downtown fireworks show launches at midnight, making it the first of many such displays planned for 2024. Expect fireworks shows on the Fourth of July, after the holiday Light Boat Parade and many Jumbo Shrimp baseball games.

Pyro Shows, which has been doing fireworks shows for more than 50 years, will do the launching. Here's what you need to know.

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Is anything going on before midnight?

The city is not planning any special activities, other than the fireworks themselves.

When do the Jacksonville New Year's Eve fireworks start?

Fireworks will be launched at the stroke of midnight.

Where will they launch the Jacksonville New Year's Eve fireworks?

Fireworks will be launched from the Acosta Bridge and from a barge in the St. Johns River, between the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront and DoubleTree Jacksonville Riverfront hotels.

Where is the best place to view the Jacksonville New Year's Eve fireworks?

The fireworks will be visible from either side of the river, from the Fuller Warren Bridge to the area around EverBank Stadium.

Can I view the Jacksonville New Year's Eve fireworks from my boat?

Yes, but there will be restrictions on where and when you can go, to ensure safety. Public docks will be open.

Can I view the Jacksonville New Year's Eve fireworks from aboard the USS Orleck?

Yes. The retired warship, now the centerpiece of the Jacksonville Naval Museum, is docked off Bay Street, not far from the fireworks barges. The museum is having a Shipyard Social New Year's Eve Party aboard the Orleck, starting at 8 p.m. Tickets are $60-$150.

Will the Jacksonville New Year's Eve fireworks show cause any bridge or road closures?

The Acosta and Main Street bridges will be closed to traffic for about an hour, starting around 11:30 p.m.

Is there any cost to view the Jacksonville New Year's Eve fireworks?

There is no charge to watch the fireworks.

Will seating be provided for the Jacksonville New Year's Eve fireworks?

The city is not planning to set up bleachers or any special seating for the fireworks. Bring your own chairs or blankets.

What if it rains?

Like any fireworks show, it is subject to cancellation if the weather turns bad.

Where is the best place to park for the Jacksonville New Year's Eve fireworks?

On-street parking in downtown at metered spaces is free on evenings and weekends.

For a fee, garage and lot parking options include:

  • Water Street Garage, 541 W. Water St.

  • Ed Ball Garage, 214 N. Hogan St.

  • Yates Garage, 200 E. Adams St.

  • Duval Street Garage, 33. W. Duval St.

  • Bay & Ocean Lot, 112 E. Bay St.

On the Southbank, parking options include the Duval County School Board lot and JTA’s Kings Ave. Skyway Garage and Lot, at 1003 Kings Ave.

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jacksonville's New Year's fireworks: What you need to know