Next Tuesday marks the 28th annual “National Night Out,” an effort that brings heightened awareness among neighbors, and neighborhoods, to stamp out crime and create a sense of community.

Jaycee Park will host a block party to celebrate, bringing together law enforcement, emergency personnel, demonstrations and food vendors.

Bill Speed, president of the Cape Coral Neighborhood Watch, said the event is aimed getting everyone together, and involved, in anti-crime activity.

“Our main function is trying to keep a cohesive group together for a common purpose,” Speed said. “When we talk about stamping out crime, we’re not merely concentrating on crime but also keeping the neighborhood together.”

Another feature of the event will be a kid’s talent competition. The competition will be divided into two tiers, ages 6 – 12 and ages 13 – 18.

“We want to keep our young people’s minds on a positive focus,” Speed added.

A full array of events are scheduled for Tuesday night, according to Speed.

The fire department will be on hand demonstrating the latest apparatus and equipment and the police department will be on hand with the canine unit which is also going to be performing demonstrations.

Previous years, a smaller event was held in the Target parking lot, but this year Speed hopes the events will act as a model for larger events to come.

Partnering with your neighbors and the police department is important, Speed said, to ensure a safe neighborhood and a safe city.

“The emphasis is neighbors and police working together to eliminate crime and drugs in the inter-neighborhoods,” Speed said.

“National Night Out” will be held at Jaycee Park, Tuesday, August 2, from 6 – 9 p.m.

For more information visit CapeCoralWatch.com.