By Sheila Plato, Coordinator
Latta Arms Apartments’ National Night Out
National Night Out is a central point of focus for communities to rally together. This annual event allows the community to celebrate and showcase community pride and spirit. It is designed to:
– heighten crime, drug and gang awareness,
– generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime programs,
– strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships,
– and send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

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On Tuesday, August 3rd, Latta Arms Apartments did just that during its 4th annual National Night Out. Dillon County Deputies, McGruff the Crime Dog, representatives from the Latta School District, local businesses, grocers, churches, and management, partnered together to provide free food and drinks, entertainment, games, and loads of positive information, all of which have contributed to the betterment of our community and a more positive outlook toward the success of our local youth.
Progress has been made in this community since the introduction of National Night Out.
– security cameras have been installed,
– a 10 o’clock curfew has been established,
– a towing policy of non-residential automobiles,
– a new play ground has been built
– and better police patrol.
As the coordinator of National Night Out, I feel it is necessary to encourage and remind everyone that, “The village has come together for the success of our youth. Our youth are in need of good examples to follow, and it is up to us to help them make good choices.”
This year’s National Night Out was a great success and everyone’s help and contributions were greatly appreciated. Thank you and we look forward to next year’s event. We are a community coming together.