GREEN COVE SPRINGS – The police department hosted their rendition of National Night Out. The annual community-building event held in thousands of communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories and military bases worldwide that usually takes place during the first Tuesday of August.

The goal of the event is to promote police-community partnerships, enhancing the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement, all while fostering a true sense of community. It’s an excellent opportunity for law enforcement to connect with their neighbors.

“It’s basically an opportunity for law enforcement to get out into the community and have an event to where it’s just fun. The community can come out and talk to officers, ask questions, and get information about the agency,” explained Josh Lee, the Department’s Public Information Officer.

This year’s event was a hit for families and officers, with a big crowd from the community packing into the famous local Thomas Hogan Gym.

“Our agency is elated (with) the turnout,” Lee said.

Children shared smiles and laughs with parents and officers. Now, they can put a face to the name of the men and women that protect their safety at all times of day, 365 days a year. Youth swung their hips while participating in friendly Hula Hoop competitions against officers, sharing a night to remember with the department.

This all happened as a group of teens enjoyed a Nintendo video game booth, and an extensive line of hungry “patrons” formed for a meal of hot dogs, chips and dessert – all courtesy of community partners who generously prepared the meats, snacks and treats.

“We have such an amazing community,” Lee said.

The Clay County Public Library and Operation Barnabas were among the local businesses and nonprofits that pitched a booth for the event. It’s an event that’s built to succeed in a law-enforcement friendly, tight-knit community like Green Cove Springs.

“This is just a huge opportunity for us to reengage with the community. In the past couple of years, law enforcement, in general, has suffered in that area. But not so much in Green Cove Springs,” he said.

The department thrives in engaging with the local community, but last year’s event only drew about 10 people at the department’s headquarters on Idlewild Avenue, Lee said.

A different approach was needed this year, according to Lee.

“We’ve participated in this event in the past, but we’ve never had a whole lot of community participation. This year, I said, ‘Hey, let’s try something different,’” Lee said.

An extensive social media outreach on multiple platforms was utilized, and key figures in the community helped play a role by actively promoting the event.

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office moved its National Night Out to Oct. 3 to avoid “extreme heat.”