For the second annual year, the Collier County Sheriff’s Office will join forces with residents across Collier County for a week-long celebration to promote community safety.
Celebrating Safe Communities is designed to heighten crime prevention and drug prevention awareness; generate support for and participation in local anti-crime efforts; and strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships.
Starting Tuesday, Oct. 7, 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 cookouts, refreshments, pony rides, bounce houses, face painting and rock-wall climbing.
Here’s a look at upcoming Celebrating Safe Communities events around Collier County. All of the events are free and open to the public:
GOLDEN GATE
Tuesday, Oct. 7, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Golden Gate Community Center, 4701 Golden Gate Parkway. This event will feature the Golden Gate Fire Department safety house and truck and a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission airboat and alligator. Representatives from Collier County Code Enforcement, Drug Free Collier, Youth Haven and the Women’s Shelter of Naples will be on hand. Activities will include face painting, rock wall climbing, pony rides and a dunk tank. Free food and refreshments will be provided. Click here to view event flier.
EAST NAPLES
Wednesday, Oct. 8, from 6 to 8 p.m. at East Naples Community Park, 3500 Thomasson Lane. Deputies will be joined by representatives from Drug Free Collier, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Florida Highway Patrol, East Naples Fire Department, Collier County Supervisor of Elections and Domestic Animal Services. Kids can also see a swamp buggy and meet Smokey Bear and the Chick-fil-A Cow. Free food and refreshments will be provided. Click here to view event flier.
EVERGLADES
Wednesday, Oct. 8, from 6 to 8 p.m. at McLeod Park, Hibiscus Street West, Everglades City. This event will feature a rock wall; bounce house and award-winning DARE car. Deputies will also be joined by representatives from the National Park Service, Emergency Management, EMS, Ochopee Fire Department, Collier County Code Enforcement, Drug Free Collier, Everglades Area Lion’s Club, Chokoloskee Youth Group and the Kowiachobee Animal Preserve. Click here to view event flier.
NORTH NAPLES
Thursday, Oct. 9, from 4:30 to 8 p.m. at Lock-Up Self Storage, 1025 Piper Blvd. Festivities will include a K-9 Unit demo, a North Naples Fire Department demo, DARE car and the Mobile Crime Scene Lab. There will also be a bounce house for kids and food from area restaurants. Click here to view event flier.
GOLDEN GATE ESTATES
Thursday, Oct. 9, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Florida Forest Service office at 710 Randall Blvd. CCSO deputies will be joined by the Florida Highway Patrol, Big Corkscrew Fire Department, EMS, Collier County Code Enforcement, Mothers Against Drunk Driving and Smokey Bear. CCSO’s rock wall and DUI taxi and ghost cars will also be available. Free food and refreshments will be served. Click here to view event flier.
IMMOKALEE
Friday, Oct. 10, from 6 to 9 p.m. at 601 West Delaware Avenue. McGruff the Crime Dog will be on hand to talk to with families on the various ways to stay safe. Deputies will host a bicycle safety course and offer pedestrian safety tips. Bike helmets will also be handed out to children in need. Food and refreshments will be provided. Click here to view event flier.