Preparations for New Year’s Eve celebration underway in Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. - Preparations are underway in Orlando for Tuesday night's New Year's Eve celebrations.

The Orlando Police Department says that they will have a big presence in the Downtown area specifically on New Year's Eve, especially on Church Street and Orange Avenue. Organizers typically expect around 10,000 people to fill Downtown Orlando for the New Year's Eve block party that begins at 7 p.m. The annual 'Big Orange' drop will then take place at midnight.

MORE NEWS: Cold front will drop temperatures in Central Florida to the 40s for the first day of 2020

Police say that patrols will be working to keep people safe. Officer David Baker told FOX 35 News that those in the area "will see police officers on horses. They’ll see police officers on bicycles, police officers in cars. There’s always a lot of extra resources put into downtown. Officers put out on the streets help ensure the safety of folks that come downtown.”

They also want to remind people that as you head to the bars, remember to keep your weapons at home. In past years, there have been metal detectors and wands used at the entrances. 

MORE NEWS: 'Illegal and dangerous': Law enforcement warn against firing guns on New Year's Eve

Police say there will also be extra DUI enforcement tonight. So, if you drink, you need to use ride-sharing services or cabs to get home. AAA is also offering its free 'Tow to Go' service until Thursday, January 2. Anyone, whether they are a AAA customer or not, can get a free ride home and they will even tow your car, as they work to promote safe driving.

The Downtown area will mostly be a walking zone anyways, as roads are shut down for the celebrations. There are closures in other areas of Orlando as well, including Baldwin Park and Thornton Park.