Eric Branch of Florida is scheduled to be executed Thursday, February 22 at 6:00PM for the killing of Susan Morris. He has been on Death Row 24 years.
Please contact Florida Gov. Rick Scott and ask him to halt the execution of Eric Branch and convene the Executive Board of Clemency to commute Eric’s sentence to Life in Prison With No Parole.
- Governor Rick Scott
The Capitol
400 S. Monroe St.
Tallahassee, FL 32399
Phone: 850-488-7146 (Mon-Fri 8am-5pm)
Email: [email protected]
Homicide in Progress
“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
This would be homicide number 27 ordered by our Governor and a new record for a Florida governor. (note – the Death Certificates of executed Floridians list “Homicide” as the manner of death).
Please 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 (8am-5pm Mon-Fri)
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.
FOUR THINGS YOU CAN DO TODAY:
Choose one, or all four if you can!
- –Tell Florida Gov. Rick Scott to halt ALL executions NOW. Please take this quick and easy Direct Action ASAP. Post and share it widely. This action was developed in partnership with our friends and colleagues at Equal Justice USA.
- -Write and call Governor Rick Scott. Ask Gov. Scott to suspend ALL executions to conduct a thorough and balanced public investigation into Florida’s hugely-expensive, wasteful, and unnecessary government program for killing well-secured, captive prisoners. It has not been proven to prevent or deter violent crime and has wrongfully convicted and sentenced far more innocent people to death than any other state (27 released thus far). People being executed today were sentenced to death under a sentencing scheme the U.S. Supreme Court has now ruled to be unconstitutional (Hurst v Florida 2016).
- -Sign up to receive future action alerts and news from Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty (FADP) at https://www.fadp.org/subscribe/
- -Forward this action to a friend (or five!) and have them contact Governor Scott too!
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 Pat Hannon to take place on Thursday, February 22nd at 6pm. On Thursday, February 22, we will be traveling to Starke to pray for Eric Branch, victim Susan Morris, and their families. 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 – Gainesville Citizens for Alternatives to the Death Penalty. Eric Branch is scheduled to be executed at 6:00 PM Thursday, February 22nd. 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 will leave at 4:30 pm, from Gainesville from the parking lot of the Emmanuel Mennonite Meeting House, 1236 NW 18th Ave. For info call Miriam Elliott, 352-278-4342 [email protected]
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 Board Member of Witness to Innocence will join volunteers from around the state at the execution vigil/protest across the highway from the Death Chamber at Florida State Prison from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. For more information, contact Mark Elliott at (727) 215-9646 or Miriam Elliott, 352-278-4342, [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.
BRADENTON: St. Joseph Eucharistic Adoration chapel, 3000 26th St. West, Bradenton, February 22, 5:30 p.m. Email: [email protected] Additional Contact: Jeanne Berdeaux, (941) 441-1101 or [email protected].
CAPE CORAL: A prayer vigil will be held in the Chapel at St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church, 1922 SW 20th Avenue, Cape Coral on Thursday, February 22 at 6:00 pm Contact: Maria, (239) 540-7096, [email protected]. Additional Contact: Jeanne Berdeaux, (941) 441-1101 or [email protected]
COCOA BEACH: Church of Our Savior, 5301 N. Atlantic Avenue, Cocoa Beach, Thursday, February 22, 5:30 p.m. Contact Deborah Shearer, [email protected]. (407) 658-1818.
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, February 22. Signs provided or bring your own. For more information, contact Jackie Gunning at (904) 449-3328 or [email protected]. Additional info Kathleen Bagg Office of Communications, Diocese of St. Augustine (904) 262-3200.
FLAGLER COUNTY (Bunnell): In front of the Flagler County Courthouse. 5:00-6:00 pm on Thursday, February 22, during the scheduled execution of eric Branch. Join us at the Courthouse on 1769 E. Moody Blvd, Bunnell. For information please contact Don Gregg, 386-445-9637, [email protected] Additional info Kathleen Bagg Office of Communications, Diocese of St. Augustine (904) 262-3200
FT. LAUDERDALE: Broward Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty will hold a vigil protesting the state sponsored murder of Eric Branch on Thursday, February 22 from 5 to 6 pm. We will bear silent witness in front of the Federal Courthouse at the corner of NE 3 Avenue and 299 E. Broward Blvd., Ft. Lauderdale 33301. Signs will be provided. Contact: 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 February 20 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].
GAINESVILLE: Gainesville Citizens for Alternatives to the Death Penalty (GCADP) carpool, Emmanuel Mennonite Church, 1236 NW 18th Ave, Gainesville, Thursday, February 22 at 4:30 p.m. to attend the prayer service at Florida State Prison near Starke. Contact: Miriam Elliott, [email protected] (352) 278-4342
HOLIDAY: St. Vincent de Paul Parish, 4843 Mile Stretch Drive, Holiday. Wednesday, February 21 at 4:00pm. Contact: Sabrina Burton Schultz, Director of Life, Justice, and Advocacy Ministry, Diocese of St. Petersburg, [email protected] (727) 344-1611.
KEY WEST: Death Penalty Vigil/Protest: Thursday February 22 from 5:00 – 6:00 pm in Key West on the corner of Whitehead and Fleming Streets in front of the Courthouse. Please contact Patrice Schwermer, Catholic Charities, Monroe Ministries for more information (305) 807-4503 [email protected] or Pat Erickson at [email protected].
LAKE PLACID: St. James Church, 3380 Placid View Drive, Lake Placid. Thursday, February 22 at 5:00pm. Contact: Jeanne Berdeaux (947) 441-1101, [email protected]
LEHIGH ACRES: St. Raphael Chapel, 2514 Lee Blvd., Lehigh Acres. Thursday, February 22 at 5:00pm. Contact: Jeanne Berdeaux (947) 441-1101, [email protected]
MIAMI: St. Dismas Outreach Center at St. Robert Bellarmine Mission, 2640 NW 34th Street, Miami, Thursday February 22. Prayer Vigil 5:00p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Contact Deacon Edgardo Farias (305) 764-5019.
MIAMI: Radio Paz 830AM, FE Y ESPERANZA program of the Detention Ministry, Wednesday February 21, on air 2:00-3:00 p.m.
MIAMI SHORES: A prayer vigil will be held following 11:45 a.m. Mass on Thursday, February 22, at St. Martha Catholic Church, 9401 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami Shores. Contact Deacon Edgardo Farias (305) 764-5019.
MOUNT DORA: St. Patrick’s Church. 6803 Old Hwy 441, 32757. Prayer vigil Wednesday, February 21 at 11:00 a.m. in the main church. contact: Bernie Welch [email protected]
NORTH PORT: San Pedro Parish Chapel, 14380 Tamiami Trail, will hold a prayer vigil on Thursday, February 22 at 5:45pm. Contact: Jeanne Berdeaux (947) 441-1101, [email protected]
NORTH PORT: St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 2500 Easy St., Port Charlotte, Thursday, February 22 @ 6:00 p.m. Contact: Jeanne Berdeaux (947) 441-1101 [email protected].
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, February 22 @ 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. Contact: Dianne Laubert, (561) 313-2280, [email protected]
PANAMA CITY: A Prayer Service and Fast will be held at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 1008 Fortune Avenue, Panama City on Wednesday, February 21 @ 6:30 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: Prayer Service at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 10650 Gulf Beach Hwy, Pensacola. Saturday, February 17 at 3:00p.m. Contact (850) 492-0837. Additional Contact: Deacon Ray Aguado, Office of Advocacy and Justice, Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee, (850) 435-3531, [email protected]
PENSACOLA: Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel, 19 North Palafox St., Pensacola. Holy Hour, Thursday, February 22 @ 11:00am. Contact: Deacon Ray Aguado, Office of Advocacy and Justice, Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee, (850) 435-3531, [email protected]
PINELLAS COUNTY: Pinellas anti-death penalty demonstration: 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, February 22 at an anti-death penalty demonstration at the intersection of Ulmerton Road and 49th Street N. in mid-Pinellas County (map). 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 demonstration occurs during the execution; if the execution is re-scheduled, the demonstration will be rescheduled. FMI: [email protected] or (727) 692-9390.
POMPANO BEACH: St. Dismas Outreach Center, at St. Joseph Haitian Mission 1219 NW 6th Avenue, Pompano Beach. Thursday, February 22. Prayer Vigil 5:00pm – 6:00pm. Contact Deacon Edgardo Farias (305) 764-5019.
PUNTA GORDA: Sacred Heart, 211 W. Charlotte Ave., Punta Gorda (at the outdoor Last Supper table facing U.S. 41 South). Thursday, February 22 at 5:30pm. Additional Contact: Jeanne Berdeaux, (941) 441-1101 or [email protected]
ST. AUGUSTINE BEACH: A Vigil will be held on Thursday, February 22 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 Eric Branch. 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: Nancy O’Byrne [email protected] (904) 422-3618 or Jo Anne Engelbert 904-460-1190
SARASOTA: Manasota demonstration against the death penalty: A witness against the death penalty prayer vigil will take place on Thursday, February 22. The witness begins at 5:30 PM with a silent protest with signs on the front lawn of St. Andrew United Church of Christ, 6908 S Beneva Rd., just north of Gulf Gate Drive in Sarasota (map). The Prayer Service follows in the church at 6:00 PM. Sponsored by Pax Christi USA – Manasota Chapter. FMI: [email protected]
SEBRING: St. Catherine Chapel, 820 Hickory St., Sebring, Thursday, February 22 at 5:00 p.m. Contact: Jeanne Berdeaux, (941) 441-1101 or [email protected]
SUNNY HILLS: St. Theresa Catholic Church, 2056 Sunny Hills Blvd., Sunny Hills. Mass and Prayer Service. Wednesday, February 21 at 8:00am. Additional contact: Deacon Ray Aguado, Office of Advocacy and Justice, Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee, (850) 435-3531, [email protected]
TALLAHASSEE: Good Shepherd Church. The execution of Eric Branch is scheduled for February 22 at 6:00pm. The Mercy & Justice Core Community will hold a prayer service at 9:45am on February 22 in the Good Shepherd sanctuary. All are invited to pray for Eric Branch, victim Susan Morris, their families, and an end to the death penalty. FMI: Suzanne Printy, Coordinator, Mercy & Justice Core Community [email protected]. Additional Contact: Deacon Ray Aguado, Office of Advocacy and Justice, Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee, (850) 435-3531, [email protected]
TALLAHASSEE: Eric Branch is scheduled to be executed at 6 pm on Thursday, February 22. There will be a vigil on that day at 6 pm in front of the Governor’s Mansion, 700 N. Adams. Please join with Tallahassee Citizens Against the Death Penalty and help let the Governor know we don’t agree with this barbaric policy. All are welcome and encouraged to attend. Contact Sheila Meehan, (850) 524-0080. [email protected]. FMI: tcadp.net.
TALLAHASSEE: If there is no stay, there will be a Service of Remembrance sponsored by Tallahassee Citizens Against the Death Penalty on Friday, February 23 at 12 noon at the Capitol Building Plaza Level Rotunda for Eric Branch, victim Susan Morris, and their families. All are welcome and encouraged to attend. 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, February 22, 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: St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, 526 North Park Avenue, Winter Park. Wednesday, February 21 at 6:00pm in the Chapel. Contact: Office of Advocacy and Justice, (407) 246-4819, [email protected]