Come celebrate the Fourth of July with the city of Surprise, where you can enjoy live entertainment, great food and a 20-minute fireworks show!

The Surprise Solid Waste Division reminds residents that regular-scheduled trash and recyclable collection service will occur on Friday, July 4.

The city’s new Surprise11 home page allows visitors to watch the channel and important city meetings live, or choose from a list of programs to watch whenever they want.

The Surprise Boards, Commissions and Committees Web site has a brand new look making it easy to see what these important resident-driven boards do.

Income-qualified residents in need of emergency home repairs are encouraged to apply for free repair assistance through the Surprise Emergency Repair Program.

This program, funded through the Arizona Department of Housing, is for owner-occupied, single-family dwellings. Eligible repairs include heating, cooling, plumbing, electrical, roof, or any repair that would address health and safety items within the home.

The Surprise Community Initiatives Department is currently accepting applications for this valuable program and applicants will be assisted on a first-come, first-serve basis.

To be eligible the total annual income for a family of four must not exceed $51,350.

For additional eligibility requirements or more information, please contact Carrie Ellington at 623.222.1552.

"Smoke detectors save lives,” says Surprise Fire Chief Michael White. “Here’s the proof- recently we had a Surprise family that was sound asleep when fire broke out in their home, in the 14800 block of W. Riviera Drive. Thankfully they had working smoke alarms that woke them up, so everyone made it out safely. The home suffered damage, but the people and their pets are ok and that’s what is most important.”

Chief White reminds all residents that the fire department will provide a free smoke detector to anyone that asks and fire crews will install it to ensure that it is working correctly.

There is a limit of one smoke detector per home. Interested residents can call the Fire Department to schedule an installation at 623.222.5000.

This summer the Surprise Police Department will increase patrols of city parks and greenbelt areas, in an effort to reduce criminal activity during the summer break. Officers will be patrolling areas that have historically shown an increase of crimes generally related to underage youths. The patrols will be conducted on foot, bicycles, Segways and patrol cars. A sample of the laws that will be enforced include:

• City park hours (10:30 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.)
• Vehicle restrictions • Restriction on alcoholic beverages
• General rules of conduct (includes vandalism and criminal damage offenses)
• Miscellaneous rules of conduct (includes engaging in threatening, abusive, insulting or indecent language etc)
• Fireworks; fires; glass; weapons; violations
• Curfew: 10:00 p.m. – 5:00 a.m., Sunday – Thursday and 12:00 midnight - 5:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.
• Prohibition of graffiti
• Possession of spray paint by minors
• Vandalism
• Consumption alcohol in public place

"The success of this campaign requires the assistance of parents and residents,” says Lieutenant Neil Gang. “We’re asking parents to advise their children of the city’s codes and laws.

” Police are also seeking responsible residents to assist in the campaign by being a visible presence in these areas and to report suspicious activity to the police. Police plan to run the campaign throughout the summer break. Juveniles found committing offenses will either be charged and released to a parent or guardian, or booked into the Durango Juvenile Facility as appropriate.

The Surprise Tennis and Racquet Complex Web site has a brand new look, filled with more information about the upcoming events and programs offered at the 25-court facility.

A visitor to www.surpriseaz.com/tennis will want to check out the details about the 2008 Cancer Treatment Centers of America Outback Champions Series, which comes to the facility November 5-9. This tournament will feature eight legendary tennis champs, including Jim Courier, all competing for the title and $150,000 cash prize. All ticket information is available at the site!

Are you interested in signing up for tennis lessons, or joining a league? You’ll find all that information too at surpriseaz.com/tennis.

So you say racquetball is more your game? That sport is offered too at the Tennis and Racquet Complex, with court fees and info about drop-in games all available online.

The site also features stringing price information and showcases what’s for sale in the Pro Shop.

The Surprise Tennis and Racquet Complex is located at 14469 W. Paradise Lane.