“Popsicles with a Cop”, “Coffee With A Cop”, Hoops with Cops”, “Pizza With Police” All Hosted by the Clermont Police Department

Chuck Seaver, South Lake Tablet

The Clermont Police Department (CPD) has been busy interacting with youth and parents this summer during the school recess period. The department’s community relations division continues to host a series of events, including teenage educational summits, basketball games, and popsicles-with-a-cop programs throughout the city.

This week’s interaction included a basketball game and practice fun for youth of all ages and Clermont police officers. The “Hoops with Cops” event this week was held on July 9^th at Lake Felter Park, 1750 Johns Lake Road. Teens and children had the opportunity to ask questions, learn basketball tips, and build a rapport with local officers, all while enjoying the fresh and comfortable atmosphere of the park.

The CPD will host one final “Hoops with Cops” opportunity on July 31^st, beginning at 9 AM, at McKinney Park, 801 Bloxam Avenue. The fun is open to kids of any age and is free. “These events are all about building relationships, creating memories, and allowing our youth to connect with officers in a fun and welcoming environment,” says Ofc. Antonio Robinson.

A completely new program that the CPD introduced this year was the “Popsicles with a Cop” program held on July 10^th at Waterfront Park, 330 3^rd Street. Free giveaways of popsicles were a big hit during the blistering summer heat that beach goers and fitness trail adventurists encounter on any given day of the summer in Florida. Adults and kids alike were delighted to get their hands on the sweet and frozen treats while enjoying casual conversation with the officers. The interaction also provided a relaxed atmosphere for frequent visitors to Waterfront Park to point out various suggestions and concerns to the officers.

The CPD will be hosting several more community events in the coming weeks before the fall season school session begins on August 11^th. Events include:

• • Coffee with a Cop, July 15^th at Edward Jones, 140 E. Highland Avenue, 9 AM- 11 AM.
  • Pizza with Patrol, July 16^th at Chef’n it up Slice Bar, 821 W. Minneola Avenue, 5 PM- 7 PM.
  • Coffee with a Cop, July 22^nd at Dunkin Donuts, 3299 S. US-27, 9 AM- 11 AM.
  • Hoops with a Cop, July 31^st at 801 Bloxam Avenue, beginning at 9 AM.

Visit the Clermont Police Department (FL)Facebook page for continuing updates to summer season and community event schedules.