Kids and families got their fill of fancy lights, vehicles, aircraft and equipment as law enforcement agencies and community partners throughout the Keys celebrated National Night Out on Aug. 6.
With four separate events from Key Largo to Key West, the annual event gets kids and their families up close and personal to forge positive connections and foster appreciation for those who work tirelessly to keep our streets and waters safe.
Each event — depending on the area — featured displays of the Sheriff’s Office elite units such as the Dive Team, SWAT and Crime Scene Investigation, among others.
NATIONAL NIGHT OUT IN THE UPPER KEYS
United States Park Rangers Hillary Billyer, left center, and Brittany Reinhardt, center right, quiz some kids on a skull of a dolphin during National Night Out at Key Largo Park. DOUG FINGER/Keys WeeklySWAT gear from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office on display during National Night Out at Key Largo Park. DOUG FINGER/Keys WeeklyFamilies, friends and community members participate in National Night Out at Key Largo Park. DOUG FINGER/Keys WeeklyKey Largo Fire Department Paramedic Runny Hernandez laughs while giving an ambulance tour to Rylan Wilkinson, 3, of Key Largo during National Night Out at Key Largo Park. DOUG FINGER/Keys WeeklyMonroe County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Det. Nelly Guerra shows how magnetic fingerprint powder works during National Night Out at Key Largo Park. DOUG FINGER/Keys WeeklyDavid Gross, Coast Guard auxiliary member, shows off a drone to some National Night Out attendees at Founders Park. JIM McCARTHY/Keys WeeklyFrom left, Capt. Lissette Quintero, Florida Highway Patrol’s Henry Paez and Lt. Charlene Sprinkle at National Night Out at Founders Park. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly Sheriff’s deputies meet some young attendees at Founders Park. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly Islamorada Mayor Holly Raschien attends National Night Out at Key Largo Park Tuesday, August 6, 2024. The event features information booths, prizes and games from local first responders, law enforcement, military and community partners. Photo by Doug FingerFamilies, friends and community members participate in National Night Out at Key Largo Park. DOUG FINGER/Keys WeeklyFamilies, friends and community members participate in National Night Out at Key Largo Park. DOUG FINGER/Keys WeeklyCivil Air Patrol Cadet Samara Hernandez, 15, of Key Largo colors paper rockets with Hope Epperly, 6, of Key West, during National Night Out at Key Largo Park. DOUG FINGER/Keys WeeklyFamilies, friends and community members participate in National Night Out at Key Largo Park. DOUG FINGER/Keys WeeklyMonroe County Mayor Holly Raschein attends National Night Out at Key Largo Park. DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly
Zak Pfalzgraf, center, and dad Nic get a meet-and-greet with MCSO’s Aaron Roddy and K9 Mako. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly Tyler Hill tries on a brand new bomb suit with his dad, Sgt. Tom Hill. ALEX RICKERT/Keys WeeklyTyler Hill tries on a brand new bomb suit with his dad, Sgt. Tom Hill. ALEX RICKERT/Keys WeeklyKids take their turn playing motorcycle cop with a sheriff’s traffic enforcement deputy. ALEX RICKERT/Keys WeeklyOphelia Roddy hops in the Trauma Star pilot’s seat. ALEX RICKERT/Keys WeeklyThe Roddy and Zajac families take a closer look at Trauma Star with the helicopter’s medical team. ALEX RICKERT/Keys WeeklyKey Colony Beach Police Chief Kris DiGiovanni, left, has plenty of giveaways. SANDRA LEE PHOTOGRAPHY/ContributedKasey Lones, right, and son Grady check out the MCSO motorcycle. SANDRA LEE PHOTOGRAPHY/ContributedErika Goodman, center, collects freebies with kids River, right, and Hurley. SANDRA LEE PHOTOGRAPHY/ContributedElise Carlson explores the hangar with dad James. SANDRA LEE PHOTOGRAPHY/ContributedThe Gonzalez family pays a visit to the Monroe County Fire Rescue booth. SANDRA LEE PHOTOGRAPHY/Contributed
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office hosts National Night Out events throughout the county on Aug. 6. The Key West event was at Bayview Park and featured a collection of local agencies. MARK HEDDEN/Keys Weekly
