Fort Myers prepares for cold snap as New Year’s Eve celebrations heat up

A cold snap is moving into Southwest Florida just in time for New Year’s Eve, with temperatures expected to dip into the 40s over the next few nights. For many businesses and residents, that means finding ways to stay warm while ringing in the new year.

At Backyard Social in Fort Myers, bar manager Tucker Zahorian says the chilly weather isn’t something Floridians are used to.

“We're not really used to the cold down here,” Zahorian said.

With crowds expected to pack the outdoor space for New Year’s Eve, staying warm is just as important as the celebration. Zahorian says the bar has added fire pits, taller propane heaters, and is using AC units in reverse to provide heat, giving guests a comfortable space to enjoy the night.

“We started with fire pits, but adding the taller propane heaters outside — something we bought recently — and this past year we installed all these AC units and large fans around the space, mainly for summer. Now that it gets cold in winter, we can keep the heat on,” Zahorian said.

Floridians and cold weather don’t exactly go hand in hand, and that means plenty of work behind the scenes.

“Pretty much all night, I’m swapping out propane tanks,” Zahorian added.

Experts say it’s not just businesses that need to prepare. Philip Perry, general manager at Johnstone Supply, says many homeowners haven’t used their heaters in months — and turning them on for the first time can cause problems.

“The best thing to do is get in front of this,” Perry said. “Turn it on, make sure it’s working, and if not, we’ll come help.”

Perry also warns that a slight burning smell in the first few minutes is typical, but if it lingers, homeowners should turn off their units and call a service professional.

“That dissipates within five or ten minutes,” Perry said.

Whether you’re celebrating out at a bar or hosting friends at home, a little preparation can go a long way in staying warm during Southwest Florida's rare cold snap.