Channelside crowds prepare for Bay area fireworks

TAMPA (FOX 13) - Organizers expect nearly 15,000 people to welcome 2016 in Channelside with the Bay area's biggest fireworks celebration.

Thursday's party comes along with unseasonably warm weather and amidst security concerns here in the U.s. and abroad.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, which handles security for the Port of Tampa, says all hands will be on deck for the celebration. Spokesman Larry McKinnon says security cameras, plain clothes and uniformed officers will work in tandem to monitor the crowd and ensure safety.

Deputies are asking partygoers to remain vigilant during the celebration.
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"There's not any better source of information then from the public you know we've been pushing that see something say something message for quite a while you know we rely on that," said McKinnon.

Fireworks begin at midnight.