After long absence, ‘National Night Out’ back, thanks to chief

TEQUESTA — The “National Night Out” crime and drug prevention event returns to Tequesta this week after a seven-year hiatus.

Constitution Park on Friday will host the nationwide community-building campaign that is designed to increase awareness about police programs, such as drug prevention, town watch, neighborhood watch and other anticrime efforts.

The event has been held annually across the nation since 1984. More than 38 million people in over 16,000 communities now take part in the event, which traditionally is held the first Tuesday in August.

Tequesta instead opted for the first Friday in October to hold its first National Night Out event since 2011.

“We have a new police chief,” Tequesta police spokesman Sgt. Emir Yildiz said. “Chief Gus Medina wants to make sure people can meet and greet police officers and create a positive relationship with the community.”

The event, which is scheduled from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., includes a display of police vehicles, a Marine Patrol boat and other equipment.

There also will be a Police K-9 demonstration, while Tequesta Fire Rescue will have a CPR demonstration and a meet-and-greet with firefighters and paramedics.

“We’ll have some other agencies coming to help us out and showcase some of their stuff,” Yildiz said.

Kids’ activities will include bounce houses, face painting and other attractions.

Friday’s event is being held in conjunction with Tequesta’s first food truck event of the season. About a dozen food trucks are expected to be at Constitution Park, located at 399 Seabrook Road.

The event is expected to draw between 700 and 1,000 people, Yildiz said. Admission is free.

For information, visit www. tequesta.org.