On November 18, 2017, the Largo Police Department held their 5th annual Family Safety Day. Attendees received information from the Bike/Walk Tampa Bay exhibit on pedestrian and bicycle safety. Other exhibits included water safety, gun safety, fire safety, and more. There was also an opportunity to participate in a bike rodeo, where they were taught hands-on safety strategies by the police. Bikes were provided for the rodeo by Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, who also fitted helmets for the children.

Family Safety Day also included a tour of the police station and vehicle displays, helping children and their families get acquainted with local law enforcement while learning new and interesting information. The event was free and open to the public. Families who attended and got signatures at each safety information table were entered into a raffle to win new and reconditioned bicycles.

“We had more than 80 kids and their families show up and participate in the event,” says Haley Sequeira, the Community Services Sergeant for the Largo Police Department. “We were able to give away 22 bikes with support from local businesses, and Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital gave away 60 helmets.” Not only was safety information provided, the kids had fun and learned a lot. “We even had three kids learn how to ride a bike for the first time,” Sequeira said. “It was a very successful year for this fun, family oriented event.”