Donald Dillbeck is scheduled to be executed on Thursday, February 23, 2023 at 6:00 pm ET. Join us for these events in opposition to the execution. Click here to take action.
“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
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 info@fadp.org. This page lists of some Florida events beginning with the event at Florida State Prison. Updated February 21 at 11:54 am.
Florida State Prison
February 23, 5:00 pm
Join Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty (FADP) and allies from across the state at 5:00 pm on February 23 for a vigil and peaceful protest ahead of the scheduled execution of Donald Dillbeck. Gather in the designated area across the Highway from the Death Chamber at Florida State Prison 23916 NW 83rd Ave, Raiford, FL 32026. The execution is scheduled for 6:00 pm. Signs are encouraged.
23916 NW 83rd Ave, Raiford, FL 32026
Contact: Maria DeLiberato, info@fadp.org
Notes from FADP:
– Local speed limits are strictly enforced. Florida State Prison is on the West side of SR-16 (Raiford Road). The protest area and entry road are opposite the main entrance to the Florida State Prison on the East side of SR-16, and is designated “New River Correctional Institution.” Corrections staff will be available to guide you.
– There is a bathroom located at the SE corner of the red brick building. Check with DOC staff for availability.
– 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.
– Wear closed shoes and socks to protect yourself from the occasional presence of fire ants. Hats may be helpful.
– 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.
Gainesville
February 23, 4:30 pm
Gainesville Citizens for Alternatives to the Death Penalty (GCADP) will host a carpool to the vigil at Florida State Prison. Advocates will leave from the parking lot of the Emmanuel Mennonite Church Meeting House, 1236 NW 18th Ave, Gainesville, FL 32609 at 4:30 pm.
Return time from FSP is uncertain as executions are often delayed. If it goes as scheduled, the carpool will leave Florida State Prison around 6:30 pm and will be back in Gainesville by 7:15 pm. Otherwise, riders will stay at the prison until there is news of the execution, a stay, or the riders may choose to return prior to the conclusion of events. The organized vigil activity will conclude around 6:30 pm.
1236 NW 18th Ave, Gainesville, FL 32609
Contact: George Diller, 352-213-6669
Tampa
Tuesday, February 21, 7:30 pm
Iglesia De Dios Pentecostal, M.I
5800 N. Church Avenue, Tampa FL 33614
Contact: office@fraceev.org
Naples
February 23, 12:00 pm
Noon Mass Offered for Donald Dillbeck
St. John the Evangelist Church
625 111th Avenue North, Naples, FL
Contact: Jeanne Berdeaux, berdeaux@dioceseofvenice.org
Fort Lauderdale
February 23, 5:00 pm
Vigil for Donald Dillbeck, The River of Grass Unitarian Universalist Congregation and Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty
Federal Courthouse, Northwest corner of NE 3rd Ave. and East Broward Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Contact: Steve Jens-Rochow, SSJGT@riverofgrassuu.org
Pinellas
February 23, 5:00 pm
49th St. North and Ulmerton Rd., Pinellas Park, FL 33760
Allendale UMC will join other organizations across the state by holding an Anti-Death Penalty Vigil in protest of the execution of Donald David Dillbeck near the Pinellas county jail and courthouse at 49th St. North and Ulmerton Rd.
Key West
February 23, 5:00 pm
Monroe County Courthouse
500 Whitehead St., Key West, FL 33040
Advocates will gather at the corner of Whitehead and Southard St. in Key West from 5:00 – 6:00 pm on February 23 for a vigil and to call for the end of the death penalty. Signs are encouraged.
Contact: Patrice Schwermer, 757-575-7002
Palm Beach
February 23, 5:30 pm
Cathedral of St. Ignatius Loyola Chapel, Diocese of Palm Beach
9999 N Military Trail, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
Immediately following the prayer service, the group will proceed to the corner of Military Trail and Holly Road, where it will silently pray for 15 minutes.
Contact: Deanna Herbst, dherbst@ccdpb.org
Venice
February 23, 5:30 pm
San Pedro Church Prayer Vigil, Diocese of Venice
14380 Tamiami Trail, North Port, FL 34287
Contact: Jeanne Berdeaux, berdeaux@dioceseofvenice.org
Davie
Monday, February 20, 7:00 pm
St. David Church, Diocese of Archdiocese of Miami
Holy Hour for Life – Execution of Donald Dillbeck. Catholic faithful and members of the community are urged to pray for a stay of the execution for Donald Dillbeck, for the victims of violent crimes and their families, for those on death row, for Governor DeSantis as he confronts the decision to proceed with the execution, and for an end to the use of the death penalty.
3900 South University Drive, Davie, FL 33328
Contact: Respect Life Ministry, respectlife@theadom.org
Punta Gorda
Thursday, February 23, 5:30 pm
Sacred Heart Church, at the intersection of Route 41 and W. Charlotte Ave.
Prayer Vigil led by Deacon Ken Nowicki.
Macclenny
Thursday, February 23, 3:00 pm
St. Mary Mother of Mercy Catholic Church,
1143 West Macclenny Ave, Macclenny, FL 32063
Adoration in prayer for Donald Dillbeck
Tallahassee
February 23, 9:30 am (after the 9:00 am Mass)
Good Shepherd Catholic Church, Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee
4665 Thomasville Road, Tallahassee, FL 32309
Contact: Suzanne Printy, printysg@gmail.com
Tallahassee
February 23, 6:00 pm
Governor’s Mansion
700 N. Adams St., Tallahassee, FL 32303
Tallahassee Citizens Against the Death Penalty (TCADP) will host a candlelight Vigil in front of the Governor’s mansion on the 23rd at the time of the execution. Fencing and metal barricades have been placed around the outside perimeter of the mansion. The Vigil will take place outside the perimeter in the small parking area that faces the mansion. You can access it from N. Monroe by turning on E. 1st Street towards the mansion.
Tallahassee
Friday February 24, 12:00 pm
Capitol Rotunda
400 S. Monroe St., Tallahassee, FL 32399
If the execution takes place,Tallahassee Citizens Against the Death Penalty (TCADP) will hold a Service of Remembrance for Donald Dillbeck and Faye Vann at 12 noon at the Capitol Rotunda. Please join us to remember Mr. Dillbeck and Ms. Vann and to show support to end the death penalty in Florida.
