Localprotests101312Archive

ST. AUGUSTINE – There will be a Vigil during the execution of John Ferguson on Tuesday, October 16th 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]

JACKSONVILLE – Come pray with us at a Vigil during the execution of John Ferguson on Tuesday, October 16th, in front of the new Duval County Unified Courthouse located at 501 W. Adams 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]

BUNNELL- Stand with us in support of life and dignity within a peaceful vigil in front of the Flagler County Courthouse. 5:00-6:00 P.M on Tuesday, October 16th, during the execution of John Ferguson. 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.

PALM BEACH GARDENS – As the state of Florida executes death row inmate, John Ferguson, please join Pax Christi Palm Beach and Catholic Charities – Right to Life Office, Diocese of Palm Beach in prayer and silent witness against Florida’s death penalty on Tuesday, October 16th at the Cathedral of St. Ignatius Loyola, 9999 N. Military Trail in Palm Beach Gardens, FL.  Participants are to meet on the patio of the Cathedral at 5:30 p.m. for a brief prayer and then will proceed to the corner of the Cathedral property at Holly Drive and Military Trail for a silent vigil from 5:45 – 6:15 p.m.  For more information, contact Pax Christi Palm B
each organizer, Maureen O’Connell ([email protected]; 561-731-4605) or Don Kazimir, Director Respect Life Office (561-775-9565; [email protected])

BRADENTON – A Deathwatch Prayer Vigil Service will take place on Tuesday, October 16, starting at 5:30 PM with a silent protest with signs along 26th Street, West, adjacent to the south parking lot at St. Joseph Church in Bradenton. The Prayer Service will begin at 6 PM. This is a co-joined activity of St. Joseph Parish Respect Life group, Peace Through Justice, and Pax Christi USA–Manasota Chapter. For further info, call Russ: 941-748-6855.

TALLAHASSEE – Tallahassee Citizens Against the Death Penalty and Pax Christi Tallahassee will hold a vigil at the Governor’s Mansion at 6:00 p.m. on Oct. 16th during the scheduled execution of John Ferguson. On Oct. 17th there will be a commemorative service at the Great Seal, Florida Capitol, at 12 noon.  Contact Sheila Meehan, TCADP, [email protected]

CLEARWATER – 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 5:00-6:30 PM on Tuesday, October 16 at the intersection of Ulmerton Road and 49th Street N. in mid-Pinellas County (map). This is the site of past vigils. Park in  the lot next to Checkers on the northwest corner of the intersection. Signs will be provided, or you can bring your own. FMI: [email protected] or (727) 573-2935.

GAINESVILLE- Since John Ferguson was found competent and the Florida Supreme Court denied his appeal it appears his execution is going forward next week. Below is carpooling info from Gainesville and additional info from the FADP website for those who might be new to attending and have questions. Contact: Miriam, GCADP Co-Coordinator at [email protected].

The State of Florida plans to execute John Ferguson next  Tuesday, Oct 16 at 6:00 PM.   There is more about Mr. Ferguson and other FADP protests around the state on www.fadp.org.

TO CARPOOL TO THE PRISON FROM GAINESVILLE, gather at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 4225 NW 34th Street by 4:30 PM.  CONTACT: Amy Jo Smith at  352-284-1749 or [email protected] if you have  questions.  Please note that the time for the execution is 6:00 PM.  Carpooling at 4:30 PM.

Return time is uncertain as executions are often delayed. If it goes on schedule the carpool can leave around 6:30pm and be back in Gainesville by 7:15 pm. Otherwise, the riders will stay at the prison until there is news of the execution or a stay–OR–the riders can decide to return prior to the conclusion of events. The organized vigil activity concludes at 6:00pm, the execution time.

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Below is additional info from Mark Elliott with Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty. You can contact FADP for at 727-215-9646 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 RE LOGISTICS 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.

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Since execution dates often change, please check the media for updates or feel free to communicate with the deathwatch vigil contacts listed above.