Anna Maria Island Rings in the New Year With Signature Oyster Drop
Anna Maria Island will welcome the new year with a coastal twist as a giant oyster drops to mark the countdown to midnight, continuing a tradition that has become a beloved local and visitor favorite.
The event, organized by The Drift Inn AMI, traces its roots back to a more traditional New Year’s celebration. According to owner Derek Williams, the original concept mirrored the iconic New York City ball drop, offering an alternative gathering spot for residents and visitors closer to home.
Williams explained that the idea evolved organically over the years. After the original ball was damaged during a celebration, it took on a new identity, eventually becoming a clam. The event later found its perfect coastal match through a partnership with Anna Maria Oyster Bar, solidifying the oyster as the symbol of the island’s New Year’s Eve festivities.
What began as a small, creative alternative has grown into a signature Anna Maria Island tradition, drawing crowds from across Florida and visitors from around the country. The oyster drop now serves as both a countdown to midnight and a celebration of the island’s laid-back, beach-town character.
As the clock ticks down, locals and tourists alike gather to celebrate together, proving that on Anna Maria Island, ringing in the new year is best done with a bit of coastal flair—and an oyster instead of a ball.
