Halloween is on Tuesday, but not everyone will be celebrating with costumes and candy. Right now, tensions remain on high in Seminole Heights after three random murders took place within 10 days. 

Despite what happened, community leaders say it's not time to hide inside--and have come together to provide a safe option for families to celebrate Halloween. 

For the second year in a row, the South Seminole Heights Civic Association is holding a Halloween event in Rivercrest Park. The group has teamed up with Tampa Parks and Recreation to allow extended hours at the park on Tuesday so local kids can trick-or-treat in the park.

Neighbors can come to the park and set up tables to give out candy to the kids. This year, there will also be additional lighting set up and Tampa police officers will be providing extra security at the event and around the neighborhood. 

"The message to us and all the neighborhoods where parents as well as kids can feel just safe trick-or-treating, and feel they can be around friends and family and that extra security will probably provide more peace of mind than anything. And I know it’s a challenging time to make the right decision but this is a time to activate the neighborhoods and be extra involved rather than hide inside," President of South Seminole Heights Civic Association Stephen Lytle said. 

Hundreds of people attended the event last year and the group is expecting big numbers again this year. It starts at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday and ends at 9 p.m. 

Safety is a major concern for parents and law enforcement has recommended some safety tips: 

  • Plan your trick-or-treating route ahead of time
  • Go in groups, such as with friends or neighbors
  • Consider area malls and shopping centers that are offering trick-or-treating as alternatives