Temple Terrace Celebrates ‘National Night Out’ Oct. 2

On Oct. 2, the is inviting the community to turn on their porch lights and come together to show criminals they’re fighting back.

Temple Terrace’s annual National Night Out will take place at the at 6 p.m.

“It’s a great opportunity to strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships,” said Temple Terrace Police Officer Karen Walter.

Neighborhoods throughout the community can also host a neighborhood watch get-together or block party that night before the activities at the Rec Center begin.

Temple Terrace Police Community Service Officer Tracy Mishler said block parties are a fun way to reacquaint yourself with your neighbors. All you have to do is meet in the front yard and provide refreshments for guests. A member of the Temple Terrace Police Department will stop by between 5 and 6 p.m. to talk to your group.

“Every neighborhood watch is required to have at least one meeting a year,” Mishler said. “This block party will meet your requirement.”

If you plan to have a block party, let Walter know by emailing kwalter@templeterrace.com or calling 813-506-6551. You’ll need to provide your name, address, telephone number and time of your get-together.

Temple Terrace has participated in National Night Out since 1995. Last year, it began hosting the event two months after the national celebration due to weather. Most communities around the country already celebrated National Night Out on Aug. 7 this year.

“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.,” she said.

See also:
 (from 2011)