MOUNT DORA, Fla. – More than 15,000 people are expected in Mount Dora for the city’s New Year’s Eve celebration.

Mount Dora police are increasing police presence and businesses are preparing for a busy night when thousands of people will visit the city.

“Spread the word about the event and make sure it benefits downtown businesses so they really benefit from the exposure,” said Chris Carson, Mount Dora special events manager.

He planned the 2025 New Year’s Eve celebration and booked the talent expected to draw thousands to Sunset Park.

There will be street games, a live performance and a seven-minute fireworks display over Lake Dora at midnight.

Carson said it will be busy, but he doesn’t expect parking to be an issue.

“We encourage people to park on the lakefront, in residential areas and in the immediate downtown area,” he said.

Officials plan to close car access to Alexander Street and Fourth Avenue.

On Friday, Carson said 2,100 fireworks will be launched from the Lake Dora docks during the midnight show.

“We barricade the area, people count down the New Year, they can see the fireworks,” he said.

Mount Dora Police Chief Michael Gibson said there will be road closures to protect people walking around, but also to give the event a festive atmosphere on the open road.

“We will increase our policing efforts to ensure everyone is safe,” he said. “Don’t come to Mount Dora if you come here to cause trouble. It’s a new year. Let’s start the new year right.”

Carson said the city and businesses in Mount Dora are prepared for the large crowds.

“Be prepared to have a great time, arrive early, be safe, live in the moment,” he said.

There will be no shuttle service, only parking spaces near the event.

It’s the city’s 11th annual New Year’s Eve celebration.

Other New Year’s Eve celebrations include the city of St. Cloud and its Rockin The Cloud event.

The city expects hundreds of people to gather in the historic downtown from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. to ring in the New Year with live music on three stages.

Officials there said they would encourage safe celebrations.

The event area spans New York and Pennsylvania Avenues, from 12th Street to 10th Street.

The best parking for events is around St. Cloud City Hall and across from the First United Methodist Church at Oregon Avenue and 10th Street.