Hundreds of first responders prepare for big crowds in Jacksonville for football games, NYE celebrations

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Police across the country are on high alert for New Year’s Eve celebrations amid heightened tensions in the Middle East and an increased terror alert.

New York City’s mayor said there will be extra security for the ball drop in Times Square.

And closer to home in Jacksonville, leaders are expecting huge crowds for several events downtown.

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Jax is ready: that’s the word from local officials as they gear up for an incredibly busy next couple of days.

There’s the Gator Bowl and then of course there’s the Jaguars game on Sunday, the New Year’s Eve festivities, the fireworks and a lot of events in between.

Jacksonville police said they’re expecting hundreds of thousands of people in the downtown area, but they are prepared.

There will be hundreds of police and firefighters from Jacksonville that are going to be on duty as well as deputies and first responders from other agencies coming in to make sure that everyone is safe.

Many will be uniform and some will be undercover.

Fire Chief Keith Powers said in addition to the 500 or so firefighters spread throughout the city, there will be many more in the busy areas working hand-in-hand with local, state and federal responders.

“I encourage people to get out and enjoy things, it’s a safe city and there’s a lot of personnel to keep you safe if you go out,” Powers said.

Officials from JSO and JFRD said their biggest concerns over the weekend are drunk drivers. Deadly crashes spike around New Year’s Eve. It’s why they’re telling everyone now to make a plan and think before they drink.

Officials also reminded people that if they see something, say something, let officers know call 911 report it and they’ll investigate.

The Tax Slayer Gator Bowl kicks off on Friday at noon and then there’s a 5k race downtown Saturday morning followed by the Jaguars-Panthers game at 1 p.m. on Sunday. Then the New Year’s Eve fireworks begin at midnight on Sunday into Monday.