- December 15, 2025
Police Chief Jesse Godfrey, Capt. Lisa Rosenthal and Capt. Chris Roos pose in Hawaiian outfits they bought for each other for Hawaiian-themed National Night Out. Photo by Jacque Estes
Communications Officer Justin Soard fits Kendall Brown with a brand new helmet at National Night out in Ormond Beach. Photo by Jacque Estes
State wildlife officer Megan Malcom takes a baby alligator back from Anika Rutherford. Photo by Jacque Estes
The gymnasium at the Nova Recreation Center was full of events, vendors and things to do for National Night Out. Photo by Jacque Estes
Silas Harvey was pretty happy with the new fireman hat he got during his first National Night Out in Ormond Beach. Photo by Jacque Estes
Logan Wingard steers his bike through the bicycle obstacle course rodeo at National Out Night. Photo by Jacque Estes
Michelle Pavelka helps Kendall Brown navigate the bicycle obstacle rodeo. Photo by Jacque Estes
Megan Malcom helps Jacob Moyer with a baby alligator at the Florida Fish and Wildlife van during National Night Out. Photo by Jacque Estes
Students put on a taekwondo demonstration. Photo by Jacque Estes
Students put on a taekwondo demonstration. Photo by Jacque Estes
Students put on a taekwondo demonstration. Photo by Jacque Estes
Logan Owens isn't quite sure about being fitted with a bicycle helmet by OBPD communications officer Justin Soard. Photo by Jacque Estes
The live alligator was a popular stop at National Night Out on Tuesday night. Photo by Jacque Estes
A young taekwondo student peforms a spin kick at National Night Out. Photo by Jacque Estes
Logan Wingard and Tyler Pavelka ride through the bicycle obstacle course. Photo by Jacque Estes
Tyler Pavelka maneuvers through the bicycle obstacle course. Photo by Jacque Estes
Ormond Beach Police Officer Jay Brennan counted 400 people at National Night Out within 40 minutes of the scheduled starting time of 5 p.m. By the evening’s end he said he expected there would be at least 1,250. He might have underestimated the number.
This year, the 15th National Night Out in Ormond Beach, was a Hawaiian theme with entertainers from the Hawaiian Inn, leis for guests, and lots of activities.
Ormond Beach Police Chief Jesse Godfrey said the event allows the police to interact with the community on a more casual basis.
“Just look around,” Godfrey said. “All of these families and our officers.”
Dressed in peach-colored baggie flowered shorts as he helped to man the grill, the police chief was having as much, if not more, fun than the children.
A tough task considering the children had a fire engine, inflatables, bike rodeo with free helmets provided by the state, and a live alligator to occupy them.
Anika Rutherford used the event to face some personal fears – alligators.
“I am terrified of them, but I wanted to overcome it,” Rutherford said after handing the small alligator back to state wildlife officer Megan Malcom.
