Where to Ring in the New Year

[Local Pinellas Editors: Please add your own highly localized "things to do" and round this out to a dozen!]

There is no shortage of things to do in Pinellas County on New Year's Eve. Here's but a sampling of what's in store for revelers. Do you have recommendations? Let us know in the comments below!

1.) St. Petersburg: For family style entertainment, the St. Pete Pier is the place to be on New Year's Eve. From face painting to live music, there's plenty to do for revelers of all ages. Entertainment for the youngest among us starts early, too, like the Fritzy Brothers One May Circus at 1 p.m. Dec. 31. If you plan to dine at the Pier, make your reservations now. Cha Cha Coconuts, which has an all-you-can-eat island buffet, and the Columbia Restaurant both have special New Year's Eve options. This also may be the final New Year's Eve celebrated at the 1970s-era Pier, which the city plans to demolish and put a new structure in its place.

2.) St. Petersburg: First Night St. Pete 2013 offers of plenty of activities in downtown St. Petersburg. There will be live music, dance, bubbles, stories, creative fun, fireworks and and more. First Night St. Petersburg celebrates its Annual New Year's Eve celebration of the arts from 5 p.m. to midnight at multiple venues in downtown St. Petersburg.

3.) Gulfport: The waterfront Historic Gulfport Casino Ballroom will host a celebration starting at 8 p.m. The Fabulous Five will play music from the 1940s to contemporary sounds. There will be a full cash bar, snacks, party favors, decorations, prizes, and a champagne toast at midnight. Tickets are $25 and available at the Casino. Advance reservations suggested. Call the Casino at 893-1070 for more information.

4.) South Pasadena: Starlite Dinner Cruises are a more laid-back way to celebrate the coming New Year. The boat leaves from 3400 Pasadena Ave S. Dinner Cruise will include an Appetizer, House Salad, Sit-Down Dinner with Choice of 10 Entrees, House Dessert, Complimentary Premium Open Bar throught the Evening, and Champagne Toast at Midnight. Tickets are $99.

5.) Sunset Beach: Not quite Key West, Caddy's on the Beach on Sunset Beach definitely has that low-key vibe. Why not dip your toes in the sand and watch the waves roll in, as you mark another year and look ahead to 2013? There is sure to be many like-minded souls stirring their Mai Thais and raising a toast to the Florida lifestyle.

6.) Clearwater: An elegant evening of dance, food and classical music is in store for folks who attend "Salute to Vienna" at Ruth Eckerd Hall. At 6 p.m., a buffet dinner starts the evening, featuring Wild Mushroom Soup, a Salad Bar, Prime Rib, Chicken Beauregard, Black Truffle Gnocchi with Tomato Basil Cream Sauce and more. After indulging the taste buds, guests are in store for another treat: "Salute to Vienna" returns for a the 14th year with 75 musicians, European singers and dancers in beautiful costumes. Guests are encouraged to buy their tickets soon, as seating is limited for the buffet.

7.) Clearwater: Crabby Bill's is hosting a masquerade party that is certain to be a night to remember for people wanting to make merry, even though it's a Monday night. There will be four bars with drink specials, as if one is not enough, as well as champagne toasts. If you want to make reservations, you can drop $125 per couple and get a four-course meal with includes Filet Mignon, Lobster Tail and a bottle of champagne. If you just are looking for a hospitable place to say hola to the New Year, you only pay a $10 admission fee, which includes a champagne toast at midnight.

8.) St. Pete Beach: Old World elegance awaits at the Don Cesar. The pink palace is hosting a party on the fifth-floor ballroom. It includes tapas, an open bar, deejay and live music. If you want to make a weekend of it, the hotel is offering free tikets to folks who book a two-night stay. Glass slippers not included. Contact the Don Cesar for more information.

9.) Safety Harbor: Want to keep the evening low key but still have a not-to-forget evening? Try the New Year's Eve Gala at the Safety Harbor Resort & Spa on North Bayshore Drive. For $130 per person, guests get a gourmet dinner, champagne and live music by the Lakeland Jazz Orchest. It all starts at 8:30 p.m. and doesn't end until next year, at 12:30 a.m. For reservations, call 727-724-7725, ext. 7100.

10.) St. Petersburg: Jannus Live will host a New Year's Eve bash featuring a Silent Disco. For those not in the know, silent discos provide visitors with wireless headsets. The music is sent via a trasnmitter to the headphones, as two deejays vie for best beat. Listeners dance and have a great time, sharing the good vibes. But take off the headphones, and the place is quiet. The silent disco features Msquared and DJ Rincon. Tickets are $20.