Print Story Email Story Discuss Story (0)

Recommend ( 0 )

Courtesy photo Oak Wood residents mingle amongst neighbors and Highlands County SheriffÕs Office deputies Tuesday evening during the annual National Night Out. HCSO provides food and activities for residents in seven local communities to heighten community spirits and crime awareness.

Related Links

advertisement

published: Friday, August 10, 2012

Residents show up in numbers for National Night Out events

By SAMANTHA GHOLAR

sgholar@newssun.com

National Night Out was a success, according to Highlands County Sheriff's Office Public Information Officer Nell Hays.

The national event has taken place each summer for just shy of 30 years. Hays has coordinated the local event for the past several years. Seven locations participated on Tuesday evening: Reflections on Silver Lake, Tanglewood, Oak Ridge, Veranda Breeze, Leisure Lakes, Tomoka Heights and Tropical Harbor.

"It went fabulous," said Hays.

"I was very pleased with the turnouts at each of the locations."

The largest turnout of residents was at Tanglewood. According to Hays, approximately 225 residents got out of their homes and into the streets to meet and mingle.

"I was most surprised with the turnout at Leisure Lakes. I was expecting about 40 people but we had at least 60 show up. It was great," Hays said.

Nation Night Out brings together local law enforcement and residents to raise awareness regarding crime while heightening community relations and spirits.

Nearly 30 deputies and law enforcement personnel were present at the seven locations Tuesday evening.

"It was so good to see. Everyone was having a blast, socializing and eating and just getting to know one another," Hays said.

Hays hopes to expand next year's event to more communities throughout Highlands County.