For the
third year in a row, deputies will join forces with residents across Collier
County for a weeklong celebration in October 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
Monday, Oct. 12, the Collier County Sheriff’s Office will celebrate the fight
against crime by hosting family friendly events and activities that bring
neighborhoods, communities, businesses and law enforcement together.
Festivities
will include cookouts, bounce houses, face painting, wall climbing, and
refreshments. Informational kiosks and demonstrations by representatives from
area emergency services and county government agencies will also be featured.
All of the
events are free and open to the public.
Here’s a
look at the CCSO Celebrating Safe Communities events to be held around Collier
County:
EVERGLADES CITY
Monday, Oct.
12, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at McLeod Park on Hibiscus Street West. This event
will feature the CCSO D.A.R.E. car, rock-climbing wall, a bounce house and
refreshments.
Deputies
will be joined by representatives from the Ochopee Fire Department, U.S.
National Park Service, Collier County Emergency Management, Collier County
Emergency Medical Services, Florida Highway Patrol, Collier County Domestic
Animal Services, Police Athletic League, Collier County Code Enforcement, Drug
Free Collier, Copeland Baptist Church, Everglades Museum, and the Collier
County Health Department.
NORTH NAPLES
Tuesday,
Oct. 13, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at THELOCKUP Self Storage parking lot, 1025
Piper Blvd. Festivities will include a demonstrations by the CCSO K-9 Unit and
motorcycle deputies. The North Naples Fire Department will also perform a
demonstration. The CCSO Crime Prevention Unit will offer safety information.
The CCSO D.A.R.E. car will be on display
and the Mobile Crime Scene Lab will be open to tour.
There will
also be a bounce house, rock-climbing wall, dunk tank, animals, and popcorn and
food from area restaurants.
EAST NAPLES
Tuesday,
Oct. 13, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Eagle Lakes Community Park, 11565 U.S. 41 E.
Deputies will be joined by representatives from Drug Free Collier, Florida Highway Patrol, Greater Naples Fire
Department, Bikes For Tykes, and Collier County Emergency Management.
Kids can meet
Smokey Bear and check out a swamp buggy. Attendees can view an alligator up
close, courtesy of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
GOLDEN GATE
Wednesday,
Oct. 14, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Golden Gate Community Center, 4701 Golden Gate
Parkway. Explore the Golden Gate Fire Department’s fire safety house and fire
truck. Experience the outdoors with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Commission’s alligator and airboat display.
Representatives
from Drug Free Collier, Collier County Code Enforcement, Youth Haven, Shelter
For Abused Women & Children, and the Kowiachobee Animal Preserve will be at
the event with informational booths.
The event
will also feature food, a dunk tank, face painting, CCSO rock wall, and health
screenings.
GOLDEN GATE ESTATES
Thursday,
Oct. 15, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Florida Forest Service, 710 Randall Blvd.
Kids can jump around in the bounce house, climb the CCSO rock wall, learn about
fire safety and climb the fire watch tower. Representatives of the Naples
Pathways Coalition will provide bicycle tune-ups and bike safety education.
Participants
can also meet with members of the Golden Gate Civic Association and the North
Collier Fire Department, while enjoying food and refreshments.
AVE MARIA
Friday, Oct.
16, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., 5078 Pope John Paul II Blvd., Ave Maria. Meet
McGruff the Crime Dog and members of CCSO, along with representatives from
Collier County Code Enforcement, Collier County Utilities, Immokalee Fire
Department, and Collier County Health Department.
Deputies
will host a bicycle safety course and hand out bike helmets and offer bike and
pedestrian safety helmet. Bike helmets will be handed out to children in need.
Food and refreshments will be provided.
