Either SS or fixed in NOLA would be allgood.

I didn't begin riding fixed until my 40th I believe - it was scary thinking about it, but when I got rolling it all fell into place.
Just a few times now, during a really long ride, I have completely forgotten about riding fixed & tried to coast & it is indeed a wake-up call.
Never went OTB or to the pavement/dirt, just got popped up off the seat for a split second to let my legs know to keep spinning.

Too high a gear inch combo will make it difficult to take off & stop - but you will be running a front brake for the majority of your stopping power, si?
A flip flop hub is a great idea - if you decide fixed isn't for you, continue on w/it set up as SS - where you will want both front & rear brakes.