Here’s How To Keep Your Kids Safe This Halloween
Before they head out the door to go trick-or-treating, here’s one step to take to keep your kids safe this Halloween.
This Monday doorbells will be ringing as children all over Tampa Bay will be dressed in their scary best trick-or-treating. But do they know the person who’s behind the door? Sex offenders and predators are required to register their permanent addresses with law enforcement and The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) has this information in a database.
According to the FDLE’s database, more than 8,000 sex offenders and predators live in Tampa Bay. Here’s a breakdown:
| County |
|
2022 Current Registered Sexual Offenders/Predators |
| Citrus |
|
373 |
| DeSoto |
|
94 |
| Hardee |
|
54 |
| Hernando |
|
466 |
| Highlands |
|
151 |
| Hillsborough |
|
2,084 |
| Manatee |
|
484 |
| Pasco |
|
972 |
| Pinellas |
|
1,719 |
| Polk |
|
1,237 |
| Sarasota |
|
494 |
Law enforcement agencies encourage registered sex offenders and predators to leave their lights off and not decorate for Halloween. Unfortunately, there are no certainties that they will comply with the request.
Here’s the link to the FDLE’s database so you can check your neighborhood or the area where your kids will be trick-or-treating this Halloween. [SOURCE ABC Action News]
Sneak Peek Of Sparkman Wharf's Free Haunted Halloween Event
Looking for Halloween weekend plans with the family? Sparkman Wharf is transforming to a haunted pirate shipwreck with sinister surprises at every corner for two days only on Halloween weekend. For two days only, see Sparkman Wharf like you’ve never seen it. Experience roaming spooky entertainment, photo-ops and festive food and drinks. Haunted Wharf is a FREE event happening only Halloween weekend!
The transformation kicks off on Friday, October 28, with Halloween-themed performances starting at 4:00 p.m. Professional break dancers will take the shipwrecked stage on Friday night for a DJ Dance Party. On Saturday night, the live band Night Breakers will perform contemporary hits. The Wharf will also feature numerous fun photo opportunities like a pirate jail, a siren’s sea swing, a decorated TAMPA sign and more.
If you’re looking for a more serious scare, visit the American Victory Ship docked at Sparkman Wharf. Brave souls can experience Tampa’s ONLY nautical haunted attraction aboard a historic WWII cargo ship. UNDead In The Water is recommended for guests over the age of 11. Click here for more information.
There will also be plenty of Halloween themed food and drinks to try all over Sparkman Wharf. There’s a sneak peek of a tasty and guilt free Halloween treat on their Instagram. Check it out below.
Get a sneak peek of all of the haunted pirates, mermaids and other ghouls you’ll run into at Haunted Wharf. Photos courtesy of Sparkman Wharf.
