The following story was previously published on Lake Legal News.
EUSTIS, Florida — Dozens of children rode their bikes from Eustis Police Department with Chief Craig Capri and spent the afternoon with him and visited several vendors in downtown Eustis’ Ferran Park Thursday.
The “Bike Ride with the Eustis Police Chief,” started at EPD with about three dozen bike riders and the crowd of kids grew to nearly 50 in Ferran Park, visiting vendors, and hanging out with law enforcement officers from three agencies, including EPD, Lake County Sheriff’s Office and Fruitland Park Police Department.
“I consider it a huge success,’ Capri told Lake Legal News.
Capri, who has been chief less than two months, and his team put the event together quickly because he wanted to do something before the school year ended, he said. He stressed the value of engaging with community, especially the youth and plans on continuing this event annually. “I think it’s important,” he said.
Elementary-aged children met Capri at EPD with their bikes and the group traveled down Eustis Street to Magnolia Avenue and crossed over Bay Street while Cpl. L. Brown stopped traffic for their entrance into Ferran Park.
Capri had a wide smile and the boys and girls cheered as they entered the park with Capt. G. Winheim and his wife at the rear of the pack. The kids parked their bikes and went from tent to tent where they received goodies and information. Children had the opportunity to be properly fitted for a bicycle helmet by certified employees of LCSO and EPD. An eight-hour class taught by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is required for certification and the helmets are provided by an FDOT grant, EPD employee Lacee Ryan told LLN.
United Southern Bank, The Early Learning Coalition of Lake County, Pure Cycle, Lakeside Dental and Eustis Parks & Recreation were also on hand giving out information and goodies.
Nine-year-old Devin, who was excited to wear his neon orange shorts to the bike ride, said his favorite part was riding his bike with the chief. Devin will be a fifth grader at Eustis Elementary School next year.
