Duane Owen is Scheduled to be Executed on Thursday, June 15th at 6:00 pm ET
“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 in ANY protest and vigil. If you do not see your area listed or want to organize a local action, please get in touch with FADP at info@fadp.org. This page lists of some Florida events beginning with the event at Florida State Prison. Updated May 30, 2023.
Florida State Prison
Thursday, June 15, 5:00 pm
Join Executive Director of Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty (FADP) Maria DeLiberato, and allies from across the state at 5:00 pm on June 15 for a vigil and peaceful protest ahead of the scheduled execution of Duane Owen. 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.
Pinellas
Thursday, June 15, 5:00 pm
49th St. North and Ulmerton Rd., Pinellas Park, FL 33760
The State of Florida is planning to execute Duane Owen at 6 pm on June 15. Join FADP, Allendale UMC, and other organizations across the state from 5-6 pm by holding an Anti-Death Penalty Vigil in protest of the execution of Duane Owen near the Pinellas county jail and courthouse at 49th St. North and Ulmerton Rd.
Vigil organizers will have signs. Park in the vacant lot behind Checkers.
Contact: John Stewart, sjstew@gte.net, (727) 492-1590
Fort Lauderdale
Thursday, June 15, 5:00 pm
Federal Courthouse at the Northwest corner of NE 3rd Ave and East Broward Blvd. in downtown Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301.
The Service, Social Justice and Green Team of the River of Grass Unitarian Universalist Congregation and Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty will have a vigil protesting the execution of Duane Owen at 5:00 pm. on Thursday, June 15, 2023.
Signs will be provided
Contact: Steve Jens-Rochow, SSJGT@riverofgrassuu.org
Palm Beach
Thursday, June 15, 5:30 pm
Cathedral of St. Ignatius Loyola Chapel, Diocese of Palm Beach
9999 N Military Trail, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has signed another death warrant for Duane Owen. Like many people on Florida’s death row, Duane has been diagnosed with severe mental illness. He has spent more than three decades on Florida’s death row. The execution is scheduled for Thursday, June 15th, at 6 pm ET. Catholic Charities’ Respect Life Ministry has organized a prayer service at the Cathedral of St. Ignatius Loyola Chapel in Palm Beach Gardens on June 15th at 5:30 p.m. Immediately following the prayer service, the group will proceed to the corner of Military Trail and Holly Road where they will silently pray for 15 minutes for Duane. Intentional Prayers of Healing and Comfort will be said for both victims, Karen Slattery, Georgianna Worden, and their families and friends.
Contact: Deanna Herbst, dherbst@ccdpb.org
Gainesville
June 15, 4:30 pm
We will leave Gainesville at 4:30 pm from the parking lot of the Emmanuel Mennonite Church Meeting House, 1236 NW 18th Ave., Gainesville, FL 32609.
Duane Owen is scheduled to be executed at 6:00 pm on Thursday, June 15, at Florida State Prison. Please join Gainesville Citizens for Alternatives to the Death Penalty (GCADP) and 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.”
Return time is uncertain as executions are often delayed. If it goes on schedule, the carpool can leave around 6:30 pm & 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 6:30 pm. IN THE EVENT OF A STAY WE WILL NOT GATHER AT THE PRISON.
Contact: Miriam Welly Elliott, 352-278-4342.
Tallahassee
Tallahassee Citizens Against the Death Penalty
Thursday, June 15, 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 15th 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, June 16, 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 Duane Owen, Karen Slattery, and Georgianna Worden at 12 noon at the Capitol Rotunda. Please join us to remember Mr. Owen, Ms. Slattery, Ms. Worden, and to show support to end the death penalty in Florida.
