While Florida is known for its theme parks and beaches, there is more to be said for the Sunshine State than a place for families to come together and have fun.

In 2016, Florida was ranked number two in the nation for business according to Chief Executive Magazine’s Best and Worst States for Business issue. It’s no surprise, seeing as Florida added more than 1 million private-sector jobs over the last five years and only continues to grow.

At the start of each month, we normally share three events you can find in Kissimmee or beyond that span the entire month. We do this to not only share about fun things you and your family or friends can check out over the course of the month, but to really feature all that we have going on in the area. It's a great place to live with plenty to do!

This month we thought we'd change it up a bit and share three events in Kissimmee and beyond to ring in the New Year! That's right, all three events we're sharing are related to things you can do on New Year's Eve or New Year's Day to celebrate the occasion!

So, pull out your black, gold, and glitter and get ready to say hello to 2017!  

ROCKIN' THE CLOUD

This free New Year’s Eve Block Party will take place in Downtown St. Cloud and feature live music, food, drinks, and a never-before-seen “cloud drop” that begins with a countdown to midnight. The musical guest is nationally known Fuel, whose hits include “Bittersweet” and “Shimmer”. Fuel will also share the stage with three other bands – Papa Wheelee, Diesel, and Wilted Chilis. 

We all know Florida is dubbed the "Sunshine State” thanks to its warm and often sunny weather. It’s a top state for relocation when weather is a factor, especially for snowbirds looking for reprieve from the colder climates of the Northeast and Midwest.

While our summers can boast high temperatures, we’re lucky to have seasonably good weather during the other three seasons, with winter being very mild compared to other parts of the US.

What does all this weather talk have to do with golf, you ask? The better the weather, the more tee times you can take advantage of, and the benefits of owning a home in a golf community are pretty interesting, too.