“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
Loran Cole is scheduled to be executed in Florida on Thursday, August 29, at 6 pm.
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 [email protected]. This page lists some Florida events beginning with the event at Florida State Prison. Updated August 27, 2024.
Florida State Prison
Thursday, August 29, 5:00 pm
Join Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty (FADP) and allies from across the state at 5:00 pm on August 29 for a vigil and peaceful protest ahead of the scheduled execution of Loran Cole. 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, [email protected]
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.
Virtual Vigil
Thursday, August 29, 5:00 pm
Join Death Penalty Action and Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty for a live, informative, and prayerful online vigil beginning at 5 pm ET. We’ll check in with live on-the-ground vigils at the prison, and we’ll continue until the execution is either stayed or completed. Register here to be a part of the live audience, or watch on the Death Penalty Action Facebook Page. bit.ly/LoranColeVV
Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach Bus to Prison Vigil, Diocese of Orlando
Thursday, August 29, 1:30 pm
- 1:30 pm, Bus to FSP leaves Our Lady of Lourdes Cat
holic Church, 201 University Blvd., Daytona Beach, FL 32118 - 2:00 pm, Bus pick up at Destination Daytona, 1637 US Hwy 1, Ormond Beach, FL
- 2:30 pm, Bus pick up at Winn Dixie, SR 100 and Old Kings Rd, Palm Coast, FL
Contact: Our Lady of Lourdes, 386-255-0433
Pinellas
Thursday, August 29, 5:00 – 6:00 pm
Northwest corner of Ulmerton Road and 49th Street North in mid-Pinellas County
Join Tampa Bay area death penalty abolitionists for a vigil opposing the execution of Loran Cole from 5:00-6:00 PM on Thursday, August 29 on the northwest corner of Ulmerton Road and 49th Street North in mid-Pinellas County. The execution is scheduled for 6:00 PM. This is where death penalty opponents have gathered during executions for many years. It is at the intersection of two main roads in Pinellas County, and it is near the court and jail complex. Park in the vacant lot behind Checkers. We will provide signs, or you can bring your own. If the execution is stayed, the vigil will be cancelled. Special guests include FADP’s Former Executive Director Mark Elliott.
Contact: John and Sheila at [email protected] or (727) 492-1590.
North Port
San Pedro Church Prayer Vigil, Diocese of Venice
Wednesday, August 28, 5:30 pm
14380 Tamiami Trail, North Port, FL 34287
Punta Gorda
Sacred Heart Church Mary Chapel, Diocese of Venice
Wednesday, August 28, 5:30 pm
211 W. Charlotte Ave., Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Palm Beach
Cathedral of St. Ignatius Loyola Chapel Prayer Service
Thursday, August 29, 5:30 pm
9999 N Military Trail, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
Fort Lauderdale
Thursday, August 29, 4:30 pm
Federal Courthouse at the Northwest corner of NE 3rd Ave and East Broward Blvd. in downtown Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty will have a vigil protesting the execution of Loran Cole at 4:30 pm on Thursday, August 29, 2024. Signs will be provided.
Davie
St. David Catholic Church
Thursday, August 29, 7:00 pm
3900 South University Drive, Davie, FL 33328
Yulee
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Mission Church, Diocese of St. Augustine
Thursday, August 29, 9:00 am
786000 Saint Francis WAy, Yulee, FL 32097.
9 am Mass followed by an hour of Adoration and Prayer Vigil.
Gainesville Carpool to Prison Vigil
Thursday, August 29, 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.
Contact: Miriam Welly Elliott, 352-278-4342
Loran Cole is scheduled to be executed at 6:00 pm on Thursday, August 29, at Florida State Prison. Please join Gainesville Citizens for Alternatives to the Death Penalty (GCADP) and others in witnessing our opposition to state-sanctioned murder. The vigil/protest includes a short prayer service and 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.”
Notes from GCADP
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 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 around 6:30 pm. IN THE EVENT OF A STAY WE WILL NOT GATHER AT THE PRISON.
Gainesville
Holy Faith Catholic Church, Diocese of St. Augustine
Thursday, August 29, 5:00 – 6:30 pm
747 NW 43rd Street, Gainesville, FL 32607.
A prayer vigil for Loran Cole.
Tallahassee
Good Shepherd Catholic Church
Thursday, August 29, 9:45 am
4665 Thomasville Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32309
Good Shepherd Catholic Church will hold a prayer vigil for Loran Cole at approximately 9:45 am on August 29 in the church.
Tallahassee Citizens Against the Death Penalty
Thursday, August 29, 6:00 pm
Governor’s Mansion
700 N. Adams St., Tallahassee, FL 32303
TCADP Facebook Group
Tallahassee Citizens Against the Death Penalty (TCADP) will host a candlelight Vigil in front of the Governor’s mansion on the 29th 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.
Friday, August 30, 12:00 pm
Capitol Rotunda
400 S. Monroe St., Tallahassee, FL 32399
TCADP Facebook Group
If the execution takes place, Tallahassee Citizens Against the Death Penalty (TCADP) will hold a Service of Remembrance for Loran Cole and John Edwards at 12 noon at the Capitol Rotunda. Please join us to remember Mr. Cole, Mr. Edwards and to show support to end the death penalty in Florida.
