ORLANDO, Fla. – For decades, partygoers in downtown Orlando have counted down the seconds to the new year as a lighted orange ball — a nod to Central Florida’s once-booming citrus industry — descended a pole towering above Church Street.
But that New Year’s Eve tradition, reminiscent of the Times Square Ball Drop in New York City, will not happen as revelers ring in 2025 due to the recent closure of several bars that hosted the spectacle for nearly a quarter century, a former employee confirms.
The company that owned Chillers, Irish Shannon’s, Cahoots, High Tide and Ember withdrew their city permits allowing late night alcohol sales last month, Orlando city officials said.
Patrons soon discovered the businesses appeared to be shuttered.
[EXCLUSIVE: Become a News 6 Insider (it’s FREE) | PINIT! Share your photos]
The owners of Church Street Entertainment, which operated the five bars, could not be reached for comment.
But a former employee told News 6 the company has ceased operation and will not be hosting the annual Orange Ball Drop.
It is unclear why the company reportedly closed its bars in the Church Street area.
Other downtown Orlando bars and nightclubs have complained about permitting fees and regulations implemented by the city of Orlando in recent years to address crime.
[RELATED: Celebrate at these New Year’s Eve events in Central Florida]
Orlando city councilmembers approved new rules in 2023 requiring bars to pay for a special permit and implement new security measures if they choose to sell alcohol after midnight.
The operators of seven other establishments filed a federal lawsuit against the city of Orlando in October alleging unconstitutional government overreach.
[RELATED: Orlando bars sue city after being forced to pay nearly $850K for police]
The plaintiffs, which do not include Church Street Entertainment, claim the city’s ordinance requiring the bars to pay monthly police protection fees is costing the businesses thousands of dollars a month.
The city of Orlando, which is seeking to dismiss the lawsuit, argued in court papers that extended hours of alcohol sales are accompanied by “significantly higher crime rates” that necessitate the hiring of extra-duty police officers.
Church Street Entertainment began the tradition of the Orange Ball Drop more than 20 years ago, the company previously said. The event did not occur in 2021 because of construction in the area.
Although the bars that once hosted the Orange Ball Drop will be shuttered, many other Orlando bars and nightclubs are planning events for New Year’s Eve.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: