New Year's Eve 'Conch Republic' style

Photo credit: Kim Segal/CNN

Kim Segal
CNN Supervising Producer

(CNN) - If you have ever been to Key West, Florida you know that things are done with their own flair in this southernmost city in the United States.

The city even "seceded" from the country in 1982 when the residents protested a U.S. Border Patrol roadblock on the highway that leads to the Florida Keys. Mayor Dennis Wardlow read a proclamation of secession and the "Conch Republic" was born.

Just like the variety of people you will find down here, the city has enough New Year’s Eve midnight drop traditions to suit all visitors.

Sushi, a drag queen, is lowered in a red stiletto from the roof of the Bourbon Street Pub. This is where CNN's John Zarrella will be reporting live during our New Year’s Eve broadcast co-hosted by Anderson Cooper and Kathy Griffin. Just up the street at midnight a pirate wench will descend from the top of a ship's mast. For an authentic “Conch Republic” countdown, there's a huge manmade conch shell that falls at midnight, when the party for "Conchs" and visitors is just getting started.