The Collier County Sheriff’s Office is preparing for a big “Night” on the town.
On Tuesday, Aug. 7, CCSO will join forces with neighborhoods and communities across Collier County for the 29th annual National Night Out.
National Night Out is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime efforts; strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and send a message to criminals letting them know neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.
CCSO is celebrating the fight against crime by hosting free events and activities that bring neighborhoods, communities, businesses, and law enforcement together. There will be an array of CCSO displays, demonstrations and information. There will also be safety festivals at community parks and other locales, cookouts, lemonade stands, bounce houses, bike rodeos, and basketball contests as well as appearances by McGruff the Crime Dog and more.
Local businesses are also partnering with CCSO in this year’s National Night Out activities.
Stacie Gehl, human resources executive for Target, said the national chain wants to be actively involved in the communities where it does business.
“Target is committed to building strong, healthy and safe communities,” said Gehl. “As a part of the commitment, we are proud to partner with the Collier County Sheriff's Office and local communities to celebrate the 29th annual NNO program.”
Please join CCSO as we let criminals know they are not welcome in Collier County.
Here’s a look at CCSO events and activities planned for Tuesday, Aug. 7:
NORTH NAPLES: Safetyfest, from 5 to 8 p.m., in the parking lot at Lock Up Self Storage, 1025 Piper Blvd. The event will feature public safety displays and demonstrations by the CCSO Bomb Squad, K-9 Unit and SWAT. Participants can also tour the mobile crime scene van. Firefighters from the North Naples Fire Department will offer rides on an antique fire truck and a live car burn simulator. Kids can play in the bounce house and see live reptiles.
EAST NAPLES: Safetyfest, from 6 to 8 p.m. at East Naples Community Park, 3500 Thomasson Drive. The event will feature deputies from CCSO’s Crime Prevention Section. Kids are encouraged to bring their bicycles as deputies, will host a bicycle safety course. Firefighters from the East Naples Fire Department will be on hand. Drawings will be held where bicycles and gift certificates are among the items to be given away.
GOLDEN GATE: Safetyfest, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Golden Gate Community Center, 4701 Golden Gate Parkway. The event will feature free pony rides for kids. Deputies will be grilling hot dogs and passing out lemonade and other refreshments. There will also be fun giveaways for kids as well as a sponsored three-point shootout and slam dunk contest. Displays by the Golden Gate Fire District, Golden Gate Civic Association, Golden Gate Task Forces, Collier County Emergency Operations Center and Collier County Code Enforcement will also be featured.
GOLDEN GATE ESTATES: Safetyfest, from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Florida Forestry Service Ranger Station, southeast corner of Randall Boulevard and Immokalee Road. The event will feature information on topics ranging from indoor marijuana grow houses to ATV safety. Deputies from CCSO’s Crime Prevention Section will be joined by representatives from Florida Forest Service and Collier County Code Enforcement. Climb the Randall Forestry Tower and see Golden Gate Estates from a new perspective. There will also be food and refreshments while supplies last.
EVERGLADES AREA: Crime Prevention Lemonade Stand, 11 a.m. to noon at Chokoloskee Church of God. Crime Prevention Lemonade Stand, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Everglades City Hall. There will be free hot dogs and homemade baked goods, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Copeland/Lee Cypress. Prizes at each location.
IMMOKALEE: Safetyfest, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Immokalee Sports Complex, 505 Escambia St. McGruff the Crime Dog will be on hand to talk to kids about what to do if approached by a stranger. Firefighters from the Immokalee Fire Department will conduct demonstrations and discuss fire safety. Lipman’s will be giving away 700 backpacks filled with school supplies.
La Ley radio station will be broadcasting from the event. There will also be food and refreshments while supplies last.
