Spring into Safety, sponsored by the Lady Lake Police Department, took place on Saturday at Home Depot.
“This is our annual reminder to take care of yourself and be careful,” said Lady Lake Police Chief Chris McKinstry. “We remind the children about the importance of bicycle safety and wearing helmets, but we also have important information for adults.”
Children attending the Spring into Safety event were treated to bicycle helmets, face painting and a chance to win one of forty bikes being given away. The bicycles were purchased through donations from the Orange Blossom Gardens Lions Club, the American Legion Post 347 Women’s Auxiliary and in-kind donations from Target and Wal-Mart.
The event provided an opportunity for some to share the message of safety.
Crimeline just celebrated its 40th anniversary in Central Florida. Crimeline has a new way to gather information. In addition to their 24/7 phone line and on-line reporting system, people can download for free an app for their phone which will allow them to report strange or unusual behavior on the spot and upload pictures. The name of the app is P3 Tips. How ever the information is gathered, the person giving the information also remains anonymous. The Central Florida Crimeline region which covers six counties handles about 10,000 calls a year.
The Central Florida Region has also developed a Crimeline for children called speakout.
“It is for children of all ages and covers anything they have as a concern, bullying, seeing a weapon, rumors of children planning anything,” said Amy Hernandez, Central Florida Crimeline Communications Coordinator. It follows the sentiment of ‘If you see something, say something.’ “If the children contact us they have the assurance that they will remain anonymous.” The number for the children is the same number as Crimeline, 800-423-8477. Children can make on-line reports at www.speakouthotline.org.
The Knox HomeBox is a special key box attached to the outside of your home that allows emergency responders answering a 911 call in the Villages to enter a person’s home if they are unable to allow the first responders entry. About 100 Villagers currently participate. More information about Knox HomeBox can be found at www.knowhomebox.con.
