ORLANDO, Fla. — It’s been two years since COVID-19 brought its first major disruption to Floridians.

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Gov. Ron DeSantis shut down all the bars across the state ahead of St. Patrick’s Day festivities.

This year, bar owners are counting on a different experience.

READ: AAA’s ‘Tow to Go’ aims to keep impaired drivers off the road this holiday weekend

“Two years ago, it was really hard,” said Patrick Griffin, general manager of Wall Street Plaza. “We had everything ready to go, all the bangers cooked, all the Guinness kegs here, and it was shut down. it was pretty rough. It was the start of a weird journey for all of us.”

Last year, the pandemic kept crowds smaller. But tonight, bar owners think things will be back to how it was in 2019, and they are prepared.

Getting an Uber or Lyft could be tricky, as some say they are protesting the high gas prices.

READ: Local bar owners prepare for busiest St. Patrick’s Day in years

If you have a little too much fun tonight, AAA can help get you home safely. It is activating its Tow to Go program after 6 p.m. If you’re not able to drive, call 855-2-TOW-2GO (855-286-9246) and the auto club will send a tow truck to bring you and your car to a safe location for free.

The program will be in place through Monday morning.

READ: St. Patrick’s Day 2022: 5 places to get green food, drinks and deals

AAA's 'Tow to Go' aims to keep impaired drivers off the road this St. Patrick's Day (WFTV)

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