Date of Release: 08-06-07
Time of Release: 4:30 p.m.

THE CITY BEAUTIFUL CELEBRATES
NATIONAL NIGHT OUT

ORLANDO, Fla. (August 6, 2007) – Mayor Buddy Dyer, City officials, the Orlando Police Department and Orlando Fire Department, will participate in the 24th Annual National Night Out on Tuesday, August 7, 2007.

More than 35.2 million people in 11,125 communities will celebrate National Night Out, in all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities, and military bases worldwide. The celebration will include promoting police-community partnerships, crime prevention and neighborhood safety. The City Officials will join the Citizens for Neighborhood Watch staff in visiting neighborhood block parties throughout Orlando.

This community-oriented event, sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch brings neighbors together for a crime and safety awareness night. Last year, Orlando came in third place nationally for the number of neighborhood groups and residents participating in the event. Crime watch groups around the city will hold rallies within their neighborhood to increase crime awareness in their community.

The Neighborhood Watch area to send the most creative party plans with a crime prevention theme for its National Night Out block party, will receive a visit from the City’s Officials. In addition, the winning Watch area will receive a check from the Orlando Utilities Commission for party expenses. Citizens for Neighborhood Watch will award gift certificates to the second and third best theme party.

In addition, the Orlando Police Department will have a community celebration in front of City Hall starting at 4:30pm. A news conference will begin at 5:00 p.m. The Mayor will be joined by the Police Chief, Fire Chief and City Commissioners while he reads a proclamation for National Night Out. The party is open to the public and will feature, radio station Z88.3, various mascots, children's activities and refreshments.

For more information regarding this event call, Laura Velez, Neighborhood Watch Unit Coordinator, at 407-246-2369.