Homicide in Progress
Please watch this space for information on vigils & protests around scheduled executions. This vigil/protest list was at the time of the execution of Oscar Bolin, Jr. on January 7, 2016 at 6pm ET. This list will be updated in the event of another scheduled Florida execution.
Throughout Florida, Nearly 30 Vigils, Protests Were Held Around the Execution Date of Oscar Bolin, Jr. Oscar’s wife said, “Oscar’s life means something ……..we need to highlight that life is the better option.” She has suggested that folks begin new campaigns to feed the homeless, donate books to prisoners, donate time to those who need our support, give blood, do whatever we can to highlight the fact that all life matters, that we stand behind those who are suffering and that we believe that in a civilized society, giving life is more important than taking it.
“I realize that I cannot standby silently as my government executes its citizens. If I do not speak out and resist, I AM AN ACCOMPLICE.“ Sr. Helen Prejean
Florida continues the premeditated and unnecessary killing of well-secured captive prisoners. Richard Lynn Scott has already overseen the killing of 22 incarcerated people. Gov. Scott ordered the People of the State of Florida to kill Oscar Bolin, Jr. on Thursday, January 7, at 6pm ET for the killing of Teri Mathews 30 years ago. This would be homicide number 23 ordered by our Governor and a new record for a Florida governor in modern times. (note – the Death Certificates of executed Floridians list “Homicide” as the manner of death).
Please sign the petition and contact Gov. Scott and ask him to halt ALL executions. It is within his power to do so:
Governor Rick Scott:
Phone: (850) 488-7146
Email: [email protected]
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. ALL are welcome to participate at ANY protest and vigil. If you do not see your area listed or would like to organize a local action, please contact FADP at 727-215-9646 or [email protected] This page lists of some Florida actions beginning with bus and carpools.
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
THREE THINGS YOU CAN DO TODAY:
Choose one, or all three if you can!
1. Click here to Sign the FADP MoveOn petition to Gov. Scott. Write letters and call Governor Rick Scott. Ask Gov. Scott to suspend ALL executions to conduct a thorough, balanced, and public investigation into Florida’s hugely-expensive government program for the Death Penalty that has wrongfully convicted and sentenced more innocent people to death than any other state.
2. Sign up to receive future action alerts and news from Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty (FADP) at https://www.fadp.org/subscribe/
3. Forward this action to a friend (or five!) and have them contact Governor Scott too!
Gov. Rick Scott
The Capitol
400 S. Monroe St.
Tallahassee, FL 32399
Phone: 850-488-7146
Email: [email protected]
Note: Since execution dates often change, please check the media for updates or feel free to communicate with the vigil/protest contacts listed.
DAYTONA BEACH/ORMOND BEACH/PALM COAST: Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church: Governor Rick Scott has scheduled the execution of Oscar Bolin, Jr. to take place on Thursday, January 7 at 6pm. On Thursday, January 7, we will be traveling to Starke to pray for Oscar Bolin, Jr. and the victims killed. Our bus leaves at 2:30PM. Our prayerful presence makes the statement that all killing is wrong and the State of Florida does not kill in our name. We encourage all, no matter their personal feelings about capital punishment, to join us as believers in the sanctity of all life. If you would like to join us, please call the parish office 386.255.0433 or Contact: Office of Advocacy and Justice, (407) 246-4819, [email protected] Please pack a snack.
2:30 PM – Bus leaves parking lot Our Lady of Lourdes, 201 University Blvd, Daytona Beach.
3:00 PM – Bus Pick up at Destination Daytona, 1635 U.S. Highway 1, Ormond Beach.
3:30 PM – Bus Pick up at Winn Dixie on SR 100 in Palm Coast, just off of I95.
GAINESVILLE – CARPOOL TO PRISON VIGIL: Oscar Bolin, Jr. is scheduled to be executed at 6:00 PM Thursday January 7. Please join others in witnessing to our opposition to state sanctioned murder. The vigil/protest includes a short prayer service & the tolling of a bell to mark the execution hour–a bell that is heard on Death Row so the other inmates know we are there to say “Not In Our Name”.
CARPOOL INFO: We have 2 CARPOOL LOCATIONS, Both leaving at 4:30 pm, from Gainesville:
1) Unitarian universalist Fellowship, 4225 NW 34th St. Call Amy Jo Smith for more info: 352-284-1749.
2) Parking lot of St. Augustine’s Catholic Church and Student Center, 1738 W. University Ave. Call George Diller, 352-332-9780 or 352-213-6669 for more info.
Return time is uncertain as executions are often delayed. If it goes on schedule the carpool can leave around 6:30 & be back in Gainesville by 7:15. 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 around 6:30pm. IN THE EVENT OF A STAY WE WILL NOT GATHER AT THE PRISON.
FLORIDA STATE PRISON: HERMAN LINDSEY, Florida’s 23rd Death Row Survivor and SETH PENALVER, Florida’s 24th Death Row survivor and member of Witness to Innocence will join volunteers from around the state during the execution, across the highway from the Florida State Prison Death Chamber from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. For more information, contact Mark Elliott at (727) 215-9646 or [email protected] or John Linnehan (904) 504-1004. [email protected]
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: Local speed limits strictly enforced. 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”
BATHROOMS: Bathroom is located at SE corner of red brick building.
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. Sun protection is advised.
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.
CAPE CORAL: A prayer vigil will be held in the Chapel at St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church, 1922 SW 20th Avenue, Cape Coral on Wednesday, January 6 at 7:00 pm Contact: Maria, (239) 540-7096, [email protected]
DUVAL COUNTY (Jacksonville): In front of the new Duval County Unified Courthouse located at 501 W. Adams Street, Jacksonville. Time: 4:30 – 5:30 pm on Thursday, January 7. Signs provided or bring your own. For more information, contact Jackie Gunning at (904) 449-3328 or [email protected]; or Sr. Maureen Kelley at (904) 704-0313 or [email protected]
FLAGLER COUNTY (Bunnell): In front of the Flagler County Courthouse. 5:00-6:00 pm on Thursday, January 7, during the execution of Oscar Bolin, Jr. Join us at the Courthouse on 1769 E. Moody Blvd, Bunnell. For information please contact Don Gregg, 386-445-9637, [email protected]
FT. LAUDERDALE (on-hold): In front of the Federal Courthouse at the corner of NE 3rd Ave. and East Broward Blvd. on Thursday, January 7 at 5 p.m. Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty will hold a vigil at the time of the state’s killing of Oscar Bolin, Jr. Signs will be provided. All are welcome. FMI:Steve Jens-Rochow, [email protected]
FT. WALTON BEACH: A holy hour will be held at St. Mary Catholic Church, 110 St. Mary Avenue SW, Fort Walton Beach, on Tuesday, January 5 at 6:00 p.m. (CDT). Contact (850) 243-3742. Additional Contact: Deacon Ray Aguado, Office of Advocacy and Justice, Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee, (850) 435-3531, [email protected]
HOLIDAY: St. Vincent DePaul, 4843 Mile Stretch Drive, Holiday, Wednesday, January 6, 5:00pm. Contact: Sabrina Burton Schultz, (727) 344-1611, [email protected]
KEY WEST: There will be a silent prayer for all parties involved in this issue. The vigil will be held in front of Key West Courthouse, intersection of Whitehead and Fleming Streets, Key West. The vigil will be held on Thursday, January 7, 2015 from 5:00 – 6:00pm. You are welcome to bring signs. If you would like more information or if you have questions, please contact Patrice Schwermer at [email protected]
MIAMI SHORES: A prayer vigil will be held following 11:45 a.m. Mass on Thursday, January 7 at St. Martha Catholic Church, 9401 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami Shores. Contact: Juan Di Prado, (305) 762-1046, [email protected].
MOUNT DORA: St. Patrick Catholic Church, 6803 Old Hwy 441 South, Mt. Dora on Wednesday, will host a prayer service on Wednesday January 6 at 11:00 a.m. Contact: Bernard Welch, [email protected]
NORTH PORT: San Pedro Catholic Church, 14380 Tamiami Trail, will hold a prayer vigil on Thursday, January 7 at 5:30pm. Contact: Jeanne Berdeaux (947) 441-1101, [email protected]
OSPREY: Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, 425 South Tamiami Trail, Osprey will hold a prayer vigil on Thursday, January 7 at 5:30 p.m. Contact: Parish office (941) 966-0807.
PALM BEACH GARDENS: Catholic Charities Respect Life Office in partnership with the Diocese of Palm Beach and Pax Christi will host a prayer service on Thursday, January 7, from 5:30 p.m. at the chapel in the Cathedral of St. Ignatius Loyola, 9999 N. Military Trail, Palm Beach Gardens. The service will be followed by a procession and silent vigil in front of the Cathedral from 5:45 – 6:15 p.m. Contact: Dianne Laubert, (561) 313-2280, [email protected]
PANAMA CITY: A holy hour will be held at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 1008 Fortune Avenue, Panama City on Monday, January 4 at 7:00 p.m. (CST). Contact: (850) 763-1821, [email protected] Additional Contact: Deacon Ray Aguado, Office of Advocacy and Justice, Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee, (850) 435-3531, [email protected]
PENSACOLA: A holy hour will take place at Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel, 19 N Palafox St, Pensacola, on Thursday, January 7 at 11:00 a.m. (CST). Contact: (850) 438-4985 Additional Contact: Deacon Ray Aguado, Office of Advocacy and Justice, Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee, (850) 435-3531, [email protected]
PENSACOLA: Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 10650 Gulf Beach Hwy., Pensacola. Wednesday, January 6 at 7:30p.m. Contact (850) 492-0837
PERRY: A prayer service to end use of the death penalty is held at Immaculate Conception parish, 2750 South Byron Butler Parkway, Perry, every Thursday afternoon at 3:00pm. Additional Contact: Deacon Ray Aguado, Office of Advocacy and Justice, Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee, (850) 435-3531, [email protected]
PINELLAS COUNTY: Pinellas anti-death penalty protest: Pax Christi Tampa Bay, Peace First, Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty and other death penalty opponents will gather from 5:00-6:00 PM on Thursday, January 7 at an anti-death penalty vigil 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 Checkers and the bank on the northwest corner of the intersection. Signs and banners will be provided, or you can bring your own. 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. FMI: [email protected] or (727) 492-1590.
PORT CHARLOTTE: St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church,2500 Easy st., Port Charlotte, will hold a prayer vigil on Thursday, January 7, at 5:45pm. Additional contact: Jeanne Bordeaux, (941) 441-1101 or [email protected] venice.org.
PUNTA GORDA: Sacred Heart Church, 211 West Charlotte Ave., Punta Gorda, Thursday, January 7 at 5:30pm.
ST. AUGUSTINE BEACH: A Vigil will be held on Thursday, October 29 at 4:30-5:30pm in front of the St. Augustine Beach City Hall (corner of 16th St. and A1A South) to mark the execution of Oscar Bolin, Jr. Signs provided, or make your own. Please come and help us build the movement by inviting some friends to come with you. Vigils like ours are being held all over the state and are an important tool for raising consciousness of the need for reform. FMI: Jo Anne Engelbert (904) 460-1190 or Nancy O’Byrne at (904) 461-9216.
SARASOTA: A protest and prayer vigil against the death penalty will take place on Thursday, January 7, starting at 5:30 PM with a silent protest with signs along Beneva Road just north of Golden Gate Blvd, on the front lawn of St. Andrew United Church of Christ, 6908 Beneva Road in Sarasota. The prayer service will begin at 6:00 PM. FMI: Russ Banner [email protected] (941) 748-6885.
TALLAHASSEE: On Wednesday, January 6, after the 9 a.m. mass, Good Shepherd will hold a prayer vigil service for Mr. Bolin, his victims, the families of the victims, Mr. Bolin’s family, and for an end to the death penalty. January 6 at 9:30am in the Good Shepherd Sanctuary. Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 4665 Thomasville Road, Tallahassee. Contact: (850) 339-7847. Additional Contact: Deacon Ray Aguado, Office of Advocacy and Justice, Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee, (850) 435-3531, [email protected]
TALLAHASSEE: Oscar Bolin, Jr. is scheduled to be executed at 6 pm on Thursday, January 7. There will be a vigil on that day at 6 pm in front of the Governor’s Mansion. Please join us and help let the Governor know we don’t agree with this barbaric policy. Contact Sheila Meehan, (850) 524-0080. [email protected]. FMI: tcadp.net.
TALLAHASSEE: If there is no stay, there will be a Service of Remembrance on Friday, January 8 at 12 noon at the Capitol Building Plaza Level Rotunda for Oscar Bolin, Jr. and victim, Teri Lynn Matthews. All are welcome and encouraged to attend both events. Contact: Sheila Meehan, (850) 524-0080. [email protected] FMI: tcadp.net.
TAMPA BAY AREA: Spirit FM 90.5 WBVM Tampa will be praying on air Thursday, January 7, beginning at 5:50 pm. Spirit FM is also available on the internet (www.spiritfm905.com). Contact: Sabrina Burton Schultz, (727) 344-1611, [email protected]
WINTER PARK: Prayer service will be held at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, 526 North Park Avenue on Tuesday, January 5 at 5:00 pm.