Localprotests10102012

Floridians Protest the Killing of Captive Prisoners

Bulletin! New Execution Date – Tuesday, October. 16th at 6 PM ET

Florida continues the premeditated and unnecessary killing of captive prisoners. Governor Rick Scott has ordered the execution of John Ferguson. The homicide of John Ferguson is planned for Tuesday, October 16th at 6PM. We grieve with the families of  Henry Clayton, Randolph Holmes, Michael Miller, Charles Stinson, Gilbert Williams, Brian Glenfeldt and Belinda Worley and mourn their tragic deaths 35 years ago. Experts have testified that John Ferguson is extremely mentally ill.

Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty and our allies call for simultaneous execution vigils/protests across the state at the time of executions. Each vigil group in Florida is independent and establishes its activities according to the needs, strategies and resources of its members. Details are often adjusted for each execution. For the most recent prisoner-killings, the following actions were planned. This page will be updated when another state homicide is scheduled. In the event that the next killing has very little lead time, contact the local organizers directly.

ALL are welcome to participate at ANY protest and vigil

If you do not see your area listed or would like to stage a local visibility action, please contact FADP for advice and materials at 727-215-9646 or [email protected].

PAX CHRISTI FLORIDA local groups are hosting and participating in execution vigils across the state. For more info, please visit their web site, http://paxchristiflorida.org

BROWARD COUNTY (FT. LAUDERDALE):  Broward FADP Execution Vigil.

David Alan Gore is scheduled to be executed on Thursday, April 12 at 6:00 pm. Broward FADP will have a vigil from 5-6 pm in front of the federal courthouse at the NW corner of Broward Blvd. and NE 3 Ave., Ft. Lauderdale. Signs will be provided. Parking is available on SE 1 St. west of SE 3 Ave.

DUVAL COUNTY (JACKSONVILLE): Vigil with us during the execution of David Gore on Thursday, April 12th, and stand up for an end to the death penalty in Florida. In front of the Duval County Courthouse located at 330 E. Bay Street, Jacksonville. Time: 5:15 – 6:15 p.m. Signs provided or bring your own. For more information, contact Jackie Gunning at 904-449-3328 or [email protected]

FLAGLER COUNTY (BUNNELL): Stand with us in support of life and dignity within a peaceful vigil in front of the Flagler County Courthouse. 5:30-6:30 P.M on Thursday, April 12th. Join us at the Courthouse on 1769 E. Moody Blvd, Bunnell. For information please contact Jackie Morelewicz by email [email protected] or phone 386-986-3146.

MANATEE COUNTY (BRADENTON): The State of Florida is planning to execute David Gore on Thursday, April 12th at 6:00 p.m.  Our Deathwatch Prayer Vigil, co-sponsored by Right-to-Life and the Pax Christi Manasota Chapter will take place at 6:00 PM that Thursday preceded by our usual 5:30 PM silent protest with signs along West 14th Street W just south of the St. Joseph Church building and 30th Ave West in Bradenton.  Call Russ at 941-748-6855 for further information.

PINELLAS COUNTY: Demonstration During the Executions: Join Pax Christi Tampa Bay, Peace First, Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty and other death penalty opponents at an anti-death penalty vigil from 5:00-6:00 PM on Thursday April 12th at the intersection of Ulmerton Road and 49th Street N. in mid-Pinellas County.  This is the site of past vigils. Park in the lot behind the Checkers and the bank on the northwest corner of the intersection.  Signs will be provided.  FMI: [email protected] or (727) 573-2935.  Since execution dates often change, please check the media for updates and changes.  The vigil occurs during the actual execution; if the execution is re-scheduled, the vigil will be rescheduled.

ST. JOHNS COUNTY (ST. AUGUSTINE) – Join us for a Vigil during the execution of David Gore on Thursday, April 12th, in front of the St. Augustine Beach City Hall at the corner of A1A and 16th Street. Time: 5:15 – 6:15 p.m. Signs provided or bring your own. “We cannot teach that killing is wrong by killing.” Contact for more information — Nancy O’Byrne at 904-461-9216 or [email protected]

STARKE (Florida State Prison):  Gather ACROSS from Florida State Prison starting by 5:00pm. Please bring signs if you have them.
Directions to the Vigil/Protest across highway 16 from Florida State Prison:
From East: SR-16, 8 miles West of Starke, go right (east) into entrance for New River Correctional Institution.  FSP staff will direct you to vigil parking.
From North: (Macclenny) SR-121 south approximately 17 miles to SR-16 (before town of Raiford). Turn left onto SR-16. Go approximately 3 miles, cross New River Bridge. Turn left (east) into New River Correctional Institution. FSP staff will direct you to vigil parking.
From South: US-301 north approximately 35 miles north of Gainesville to Starke. Turn left (west) onto SR-16 (Raiford Road), go approximately 8 miles. Turn right (east) into New River Correctional Institution.  FSP staff will direct you to vigil parking.
From West (Lake City): SR-100 approximately 23 miles to SR-121 (Lake Butler), turn left, go approximately 6 miles, just past town of Raiford, turn right (east) onto SR-16. Go approximately 3 miles, cross New River Bridge. Turn left (east) into New River Correctional Institution.

NOTES from
FADP: Florida State Prison is on the West side of the road. The designated protest area is on the East side of the road, with the entry road being opposite of the main entry to FSP and designated, “New River Correctional Institution”.

REGARDING BATHROOMS: Bathroom at SE corner of red brick bldg. is usually open. Sometimes there is a port-a-potty in the designated media area (about 150 yards west of the protest area), but it is not always there and they may decide not to allow protesters access to the media area. Just to the west of the prison (toward Starke) is a Circle K store with a bathroom available to customers. Stop there, if not in Raiford or Starke as you pass through one of those towns.

REGARDING SIGNS: We are unaware of any restrictions on the nature of signs. FADP recommends clear and concise messages, printed boldly, with high contrast between the text and the background. FADP will have some signs available.

ADDITIONAL PRECAUTIONS: Wear closed shoes and socks to protect yourself from the occasional presence of fire ants.

ALSO: Especially with high profile state killings, airport rules apply – be aware of what you bring and carry, and of your demeanor, and stay within the designated protest area or between that area and the adjacent parking area. You may wish to bring umbrellas (for sun or rain) and bottled water. FADP will help.

TALLAHASSEE:  Tallahassee Citizens Against the Death Penalty, the Florida Catholic Conference, PAX Christi and concerned citizens gather at 6:00 PM, on Thursday, April 12th in front of the Governor’s mansion.  On the following day, Friday, April 13th, at 12 noon, we invite all interested parties to meet for a Service of Remembrance for David Gore, Lynn Elliott, Angelica LaVellee, Barbara Ann Byer, Hsiang Huang Ling, Ying Hua Ling, and Judy Kay Daley at the Great Seal of Florida in the Rotunda of the Capitol. For additional information, contact Shirley Poore ([email protected]) or 850-893-6838.

The Tallahassee Citizens Against the Death Penalty (TCADP) website can be found at