NATIONAL NIGHT OUT
TO BE HELD AT PAYNE PARK

Sarasota, FL:   The City of Sarasota, Sarasota County and community leaders will join forces to host the 26th annual National Night Out, Tues., August 4, 2009 6 pm – 9 pm at Payne Park in downtown Sarasota.  National Night Out is an evening dedicated to strengthening anti-crime efforts. 

The evening will feature plenty of family fun including, live music, free food, activities for children, raffle drawings and free bicycle helmets for children and adults.  The helmets are being donated by the Florida Department of Transportation.  To receive a helmet, it must be fitted by a FDOT official at the event. 

Units from the Sarasota Police Department, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office and the Sarasota County Fire Department will be on hand at the park.  The Sheriff’s Office plans to have a helicopter on display as well as horses from the mounted patrol.  The Sarasota Police Department will have a K-9 unit at the event and a boat from the marine patrol.  Also, the Sarasota County Fire Department will have an antique fire truck at the park.
 
The event is free; however, donations will be accepted for two local organizations: All Faiths Food Bank will collect non-perishable food items and pet food/supplies will be accepted for the Sarasota County Humane Society.

National Night Out is designed to heighten awareness about crime and drug prevention, generate participation in anti-crime efforts, strengthen neighborhood spirit and send a strong message to criminals that neighborhoods are organizing to prevent crime.  The event is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW) and Target stores.

Last year’s event at Payne Park received an award from the National Association of Town Watch for outstanding participation.  It was considered the most successful National Night Out event ever in the Greater Sarasota area with more than 1,000 citizens participating.   Next week’s festivities are expected to attract even more people.

Residents who cannot attend the event are asked to participate by turning on their outside lights and spending the evening with their neighbors.

For more information, please contact:
Jan Thornburg, Public Information Officer (941) 954-2613
jan.thornburg@sarasotagov.com