FL Polar Plunge 2022 Events Celebrate New Year

FLORIDA — With 2022 fast approaching, that means it’s that time of year where people participate in polar plunge events across the country, including Florida.

At polar plunges, typically held during winter months, participants – usually fairly large groups of people – go for a dip in a body of water despite the chillier temperatures. Some people take part in these events to raise money for charity, while others are more focused on the challenge.

While winter temperatures look very different in Florida compared to northern parts of the country, there are still a number of polar plunges scheduled throughout the state and the tradition is a fun way to ring in the new year.

If you’re looking for a polar plunge to experience over New Year’s weekend or in coming weeks, here are some events to check out in the Sunshine State.

Big Dave’s Polar Plunge

When: Jan. 1, 9 a.m.

Where: Lowdermilk Park, 1301 Gulf Shore Blvd. N., Naples

Event proceeds benefit the Drug Court Kids. Learn more here.

Cape San Blas Polar Plunge

When: Jan. 1, 10 a.m.

Where: Cape Palms Park, 4310 Cape San Blas Road, Port Saint Joe

While admission is free, donations are accepted for South Gulf Fire & Rescue. Learn more here.

Penguin Plunge ‘n Paddle

When: Jan. 1, 10 a.m. registration

Where: Juana’s Pagodas and Sailors’ Grill, 1451 Navarre Beach Causeway, Navarre

This annual event benefits Healing Paws for Warriors. Take on the paddle board adventure course at 12:30 p.m. and plunge into the Santa Rosa Sound at 1:30 p.m. Learn more here.

South Walton Fire District's Polar Bear Plunge

When: Jan. 1, 11 a.m.

Where: Shunk Gulley Oyster Bar, 1875 S. Hwy. 393, Santa Rosa Beach

This family-friendly annual event benefits the South Walton Fire District. Learn more here.

New Year’s Day Polar Dip

When: Jan. 1, noon

Where: Flora-Bama Lounge, 17401 Perdido Key Drive, Perdido Key

Take a dip in the Gulf of Mexico with a few thousand people. Those who fully submerge get a free draft beer and New Year’s lunch at Flora-Bama. Costumes encouraged. Learn more here.

Polar Bear Plunge

When: Jan. 1, noon

Where: Paradise Bar & Grill, 21 Via De Luna Dr, Gulf Breeze

Take a plunge in the Santa Rosa Sound. All proceeds benefit the Pensacola Beach Chamber of Commerce. Learn more here.

Shamrock Shiver Charity Plunge

When: Jan. 1, noon

Where: Bradenton Beach at Gulf Drive between 4th Street South and 12th Street South

Sponsored by Clancy’s Irish Pub & Grill, this annual event raises funds for The Blessing Bags Project, Feeding Empty Little Tummies, Healthy Teen Coalition of Manatee County and Nutrition Initiative. Call 941-794-2481 ext. 2 to learn more or donate.

Special Olympics of Florida Polar Plunge - Orlando

When: Feb. 12, 8:30 a.m. registration, 11 a.m. plunge

Where: Aquatica Waterpark, 5800 Water Play Way, Orlando

Proceeds benefit the Special Olympics. Learn more here.

Samuel’s House Polar Plunge

When: Feb. 13, noon

Where: Clarence H. Higgs Memorial Beach, 1000 Atlantic Blvd, Key West

This annual event benefits Samuel’s House programs that provide services to homeless men and women with children. Learn more here.

Special Olympics of Florida Polar Plunge – Tampa Bay

When: March 5

Where: Adventure Island, 10001 McKinley Drive, Tampa

Proceeds benefit the Special Olympics. Learn more here.

Special Olympics of Florida Polar Plunge – St. Johns

When: March 26

Where: Beachwalk Club Crystal Lagoon, 100 Beachwalk Club Drive, St. Johns

Proceeds benefit the Special Olympics. Learn more here.

Know of a polar plunge in Florida to add to this list? Email Tiffany.Razzano@Patch.com.