City's National Night Out Set For Oct. 4, Not Tonight

By now, you’ve probably heard that Temple Terrace’s National Night Out isn’t happening tonight.

Although most communities around the country will be turning on their porch lights Aug. 2 and coming together to show criminals they’re fighting back, Temple Terrace residents will be waiting until October to participate in the crime and drug prevention campaign.

Temple Terrace’s event usually coincides with the national celebration, but Officer Karen Walter said the City received permission from the National Association of Town Watch, which sponsors the campaign, to have it on the same day as Texas, Oct. 4.

“We requested it not so much because of the heat, but because of the rain and lightning we get in August, which usually prevents us from doing our flashlight walk around the neighborhood at 8:30 p.m.,” said Walter, who works in the Crime Prevention Unit.

The event will take place at the at 6:30 p.m.

Walter said residents can expect the same free, fun experience that Temple Terrace has put on since 1995 when it began participating in National Night Out.

There will be a rock wall, a moon walk, face painting, ice cream, sand art and giveaways from Target. Attendees will be able to meet police officers who serve the community and see police and fire vehicles and demonstrations.

According to National Night Out 2011, last year’s campaign involved citizens, law enforcement agencies, civic groups, businesses, neighborhood organizations and local officials from more than 15,000 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases worldwide. In all, more than 37 million people participated.

Walter encouraged Temple Terrace residents to participate in the City's campaign.

“It’s a great opportunity to strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships,” she said.