August 3, 2012
“FMPD Joins Neighborhoods for National Night Out”
On Tuesday, August 7, 2012 the Fort Myers Police Department and neighborhoods throughout the City will join forces with thousands of communities nationwide for the “29th Annual National Night Out” (NNO) crime and drug prevention event. National Night Out, which is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW) and co-sponsored locally by FMPD, will involve over 15,000 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases around the world. Last year more than 37 million people participated in America’s night out against crime.
National Night Out is designed to:
1. Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness.
2. Generate support for and participation in local anticrime efforts.
3. Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police community partnerships.
4. Send a message to criminals letting them know neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.
Residents are asked to turn on outside lights from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. and spend the evening outside celebrating the partnerships between neighbors and police. Many local neighborhoods have planned special events such as block parties and cookouts, with visits from police, community leaders, and other supporting organizations. FMPD has assisted in the coordination of the following events:
Main Event – Edison Mall/Stop the Violence March
The event will be held both inside and outside by entrance “F” near Dillard’s Department Store. Coordinators will begin setting up at 4:30 p.m. A “stop the violence” march will begin at 5:00 p.m. Participants can expect visits from McGruff the Crime Dog, Sparky the Fire Pup and Smokey the Bear. Participants include: The Edison Mall, Florida Highway Patrol, City of Fort Myers Code Enforcement, Lee Tran Bus System, and Coalition for a Drug Free SWFL, Southwest Florida Addiction Services (SWFAS), Fort Myers Youth Coalition, TARGET Stores, The Lee County Health Department, and The PACE Center for Girls, FMPD Explorer Post 55, Metropolitan Planning Organization, Abuse, Counseling and Treatment Inc., (ACT) and Stay Alive Just Drive.
Clemente Park – Stop the Violence Rally
The event will be held at Clemente Park Located at Henderson Avenue and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. Event coordinators will begin setting up at 6:00 p.m. and a “stop the violence” march will take place at 6:30 p.m. Participants include: NAACP, Black History Society, Sickle Cell Foundation, Lee County Library, 105.5 the Beat, several neighborhood watch groups, the Fort Myers Fire Department, Fort Myers Police Department and Fort Myers Police Explorer Post 55.
The River District Alliance, American Legion Post 38 & The American Red Cross – This National Night Out event will be located on Jackson Street between First and Bay Streets. Participants include the Fort Myers Police Department, members of the Florida Tarpons Football Team, The American Legion, Edward Jones, The American Red Cross, and T&K Security, Touch a Hero’s Heart, Army Recruiters, Spirits of Bacchus, French Connection and Downtown House of Pizza. There will also be a bounce house and fingerprint/DNA kits for children at this location.
Shelly Flynn
Public Information Officer
239-321-7721