National Night Out

National Night Out was celebrated in the City of Alachua on Tuesday, August 3, at Criswell Park, at the same time as many other neighborhoods and cities celebrated across the nation.  It takes a community to unite in order for an event like this happen, and that is exactly what happened Tuesday night in Alachua, when we gave crime a “Going Away Party.” 

Shortly after 5 p.m., police officers, city officials, residents and children gathered under the shade at the park to share food, laughter and each others' company.  Balloons and silly bands were a popular item for the children, and the adults enjoyed hearing the sounds of the children playing, which is exactly what should be going on in a city park.

Sometimes, unfortunately, the sounds of children at play are replaced by criminal activity.  We set out last night to let those involved in the criminal activity know that we don’t want them in our neighborhoods, in our parks or on our streets. 

I would like to thank Horace and Shelisia Jenkins for working with the Alachua Police Department in planning this event.  I would like to thank The Christ Central Ministries for their support and dedication to making the Community better.  A special thanks to Alachua Police Department and Bob’s Citgo for the donation of the food, and Michael “Catfish” Washington and his staff at the Recreation Department for helping with the set-up and clean-up of the event. 

Thank you for all who attended:  residents; Mayor Gib Coerper; Vice Mayor Gary Hardacre; commissioners Orien Hill, Ben Boukari, Jr. and Robert Wilford; former City of Alachua mayor Jean Calderwood; City Manager Traci Cain; City of Alachua officials and staff; Chief Joel DeCoursey; Lieutenant Patrick Barcia; the Police Explorers and the children of the community.  

We must work together to keep Alachua safe for our children and the generations to follow. 

 

Detective Carrie B Lund

Crime Prevention Officer

Alachua Police Department