Candlelight vigil at Davis Park held in response to recent shootings

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Concerned citizens in the Nocatee area gathered at 7:15 p.m. May 31 in Davis Park for a candlelight vigil to mourn the recent loss of life in Uvalde, Texas, and Buffalo, New York. This was a nonpartisan event and everyone in the area was invited to attend.

Organizers encouraged all attendees to wear something orange in support of National Gun Violence Prevention. Vigil candles and orange ribbons were provided onsite.

There was a moment of silence (to honor those who have died in these most recent shootings) and guest speakers, including Carissa Brede, clinical director at the YCC (Youth Crisis Center).

“We’re holding this vigil to come together as a community to mourn those lost to such senseless acts of violence,” said vigil co-coordinator Aaron Berger, a resident of Nocatee’s Coastal Oaks neighborhood. “The victims and families deserve our acknowledgement, attention and respect. Many are saddened as well as frustrated, and we hope the knowledge learned and sense of community can be a good start to offer a morsel of comfort and begin future change. We also want to send a message to all our lawmakers that enough is enough.”