TALLAHASSEE -LAWFUEL – Press Release Service – Attorney General Charlie Crist, noting that today marks the annual observation of the National Night Out neighborhood crime prevention initiative, encouraged Floridians to participate in the event and take additional steps to ensure their safety and that of their families. More than 120 Florida local governments and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement have signed up to take part in the event.
National Night Out is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch. The program is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, increase participation in local anti-crime programs, strengthen police-community partnerships and foster neighborhood spirit in order to send a message to criminals that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.
“Nothing is more important than keeping our families and our communities safe,” said Crist. “Every opportunity for citizens to make a difference in the fight against crime is a huge step in the right direction.”
Communities are encouraged to participate in the event with a traditional display of outdoor lights and front porch vigils. Additionally, neighborhoods can host various activities including block parties, cookouts, parades, exhibits, flashlight walks, contests, youth programs and visits from local law enforcement.
Crist said events are planned all over Florida. Residents in Tallahassee are invited to join local police at a block party at the North Florida Fairgrounds to participate in the event. In Palm Beach County, police officers and Palm Beach County sheriff’s deputies from Boca Raton to Jupiter will stop by area parks and malls to deliver a public safety message and give crime prevention tips to the community. A police caravan will travel through several Miami neighborhoods before stopping at the Orange Bowl Stadium, where there will be a block party with music, dancing, refreshments and prize giveaways. Residents of other communities should check with local law enforcement to learn what events are planned.
National Night Out is one of the nation’s largest annual crime and drug prevention events. More information is available online at:
http://www.nationalnightout.org/nno.
