News Flash

The City of Jacksonville and the Jacksonville Police Department will host National Night Out 2017 on Tuesday, August 1, 2017 from 5PM to 9:30PM at Riverwalk Crossing Park in downtown Jacksonville. This is the 19th year for the popular City event. 

National Night Out will feature food, fun and fireworks. This rain or shine event attracted more than 12,000 attendees last year.  

National Night Out is a family friendly event, free to the public. The evening features live musical entertainment by Onslow Winds and Freeway at the Railroad Depot Stage. More than 100 vendors and exhibitors will be participating. A bicycle giveaway, food, balloons, face painting, games and prizes are just a few of the attractions. The fun night culminates in a fireworks display over the New River. New this year is a Community Stage featuring local acts and entertainment, as well as a new and improved Children’s Area (courtesy of First Baptist Church, a major sponsor of the event).

Also new this year, attendees are encouraged to swap a canned good in exchange for a National Night Out t-shirt. All of the canned goods will be donated to the United Way’s CHEW (Children Healthy Eating on Weekends) Program.

Jacksonville Transit will provide free rides on their air conditioned shuttles throughout the event.

Shuttle pickup locations are:
- Hargett @ Richards
- Bayshore @ Post Office
- New Bridge St @ Huerth (new parking facility behind post office)
- New Bridge St @ New Bridge Middle School
- Court St @ Onslow County Sheriff’s Dept
- College St @ Anne St
- College St @ Thompson Early Childhood Education Center
- College St @ Onslow County Health Dept
- Bayshore @ Jacksonville Conference Center

National Night Out is a unique opportunity to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness and generate support for and participation in local anti-crime efforts. The event aims to strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships. 

“National Night Out provides our community with a chance to meet and know the officers who serve them,” states Lieutenant Staci Leyble, the coordinator for this year’s NNO. “We appreciate the generosity of our community and business sponsors.”

Weapons are not allowed in City parks (City Ordinance Section 16.24). Due to the expected large amount of event attendees, organizers recommend leaving pets at home for their safety.