The City of Punta Gorda on Tuesday was preparing for the deluge of children and parents who annually make their trek to the Punta Gorda area for candy, and of course a scare or two.

This year, as in years past, it is critical that the public take the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of the thousands of residents who visit the Historic District on this night each year. A significant contingent of Punta Gorda police and fire personnel will be on hand for the event.

Tonight, all members of the public will be required to observe a speed limit of 15 m.p.h. within the confines of the Historic District. Generally, this area includes the area from Shreve Street to Cross Street (U.S. 41 South), and Olympia Avenue to Retta Esplanade.

Punta Gorda Police will have a heavy uniformed presence in this area with the availability of marked police patrols, an officer on a Segway, a T3 Personal Mobility Vehicle, as well as foot patrols, police bicycles, and golf cart patrols.

The Community Services Section will have a tent set up along West Retta Esplanade, in front of Gilchrist Park, should attendees need police assistance. Punta Gorda fire officials will also be patroling the event and will have apparatus and personnel prepared to provide medical attention should the need arise on Harvey Street across from the City Hall annex.

Motorists should be particularly alert for children veering from sidewalks into traffic, particularly since many children will be wearing dark-colored clothing. The police department is also asking that thru-traffic consider alternative routes due to the high volume of vehicular and pedestrian traffic.