Florence residents turned out Aug. 11, for the city's annual National Night Out, gathering at the Government Center, 8100 Ewing Blvd., for an evening built around connecting neighbors with the people who keep them safe.

The City of Florence confirmed the event on social media, thanking attendees and singling out local sponsor M&P Logistics for providing Fillmore's Ice Cream to the crowd. The city called it "a great evening connecting with our City departments, first responders, community partners & neighbors."

City departments including the Florence Police Department, Fire/EMS, Public Services and Administration staffed booths alongside community partners. Residents could walk up to fire trucks and patrol cars on display, grab a plate from a complimentary grill-out dinner and talk face-to-face with officers and firefighters. Florence City Council members also attended.

The Florence Veterans Commission led a Liberty Tree Dedication at 6:15 p.m., marking America's 250th birthday. In a July 31 city announcement previewing the ceremony, Mayor Julie M. Aubuchon called the tree a symbol of "the strength of a community that comes together in the spirit of freedom, service, and unity."

M&P Logistics, officially Mackenzie and Paige Logistics LLC, is based on Tanners Gate Lane in Florence. The company's sponsorship gave attendees free scoops of Fillmore's Ice Cream.

National Night Out is a nationwide campaign launched in 1984 to strengthen ties between law enforcement and the communities they serve. As we reported in an Aug. 4 preview, Florence is one of 15 registered Kentucky communities that participate each year.

The city did not release an attendance count.

What's next

Florence Fire/EMS is keeping the community connection going with free ice cream sandwich events every Thursday in August at neighborhood fire stations. The next stop is Aug. 13, at Station #33, 3125 Ted Bushelman Blvd. Call 859-647-5660 for details. Remaining dates: Aug. 20 at Station #31 and Aug. 27 at Station #32.

The department is also accepting applications for its free 2026 Citizen Fire Academy, a 10-week program starting Sept. 2, at Station 34, 8101 Dream St. Classes meet Wednesdays from 6 to 8 p.m. through Nov. 4. Adults 18 and older who live, work or have an interest in the Florence community can apply by emailing [email protected]. Space is limited.