Predictions are high among establishments who want people to come out and celebrate New Year's Eve. Restaurant and bar staff close to downtown Gainesville said they hope the holiday will bring in the crowds. One bartender said he believes more people in town will mean just that.

"The biggest thing I've noticed over the year is that people have decided not to go away for big weekends or big events. They tend to be in town so they tend to spend a little more, " said Tom Blake of Lillian's Music Store.

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