[FADPUpdate] Execution Vigil/Protest Update

[melliott3@aol.com]

Friends,
 
As you know, tomorrow's execution of Danny Rolling is scheduled for 6:00PM.  The media is preparing to maximize coverage of this event.  Throughout Florida, vigils and protests will be held as usual with the likelihood of increased press coverage.  For those attending the vigil/protest at the Florida State Prison, expect a very large media presence beginning at 4:00PM.  Gretel Plessinger, Public Affairs for the D.O.C., says the only notable difference in requirements for attendees will be for adults to have photo ID on hand.  Children accompanying adults need no ID.  
 
There is an advisory from the Dept of Transportation to avoid State Rd 16 West of the prison from SR 121 to the Bradford County line (unknown if this will affect those of us coming from Starke and the East).  The traffic and heightened security will mean delays.  PLEASE PLAN ON ARRIVING EARLY!  See http://www.fadp.org/localprotests.html for details on vigil/protests in your area and Florida State Prison suggestions and directions.
 
 
Last week vigil/protests for the Arthur Rutherford execution were also held around the state.  Below are some brief summaries of just a few:
 
TALLAHASEE
Twelve of us were at the Governor's Mansion Wednesday at 6:00 for our usual vigil.  We spoke of our solidarity with those gathered at the prison.  There was no media coverage for the vigil.  The next day about 20 were at the Capitol for our service of remembrance.  (A computer problem hampered our efforts to get the word out to our members and probably reduced our numbers slightly.)  We had media coverage by the Associated Press and the Capitol News Service.  As usual, I delivered a copy of the program to the Governor's Office, signed by the people who were present.
Submitted by Walter Moore, Chair, Tallahassee Citizens Against the Death Penalty (TCADP)  
 
JACKSONVILLE
The Jacksonville Citizens For A Moratorium (JCFAM) had six people holding
signs outside the Duval County Courthouse in downtown Jacksonville from 4:45
to 6:15 PM on Wednesday, October 18th. One of the signs read "Gov. Bush, Do
not execute Arthur Rutherford in my name."

At 5:55 PM  the group formed a circle  around lighted candles on the
sidewalk and remained silent for a period of time. This was followed by
reflection, sharings and the reading by the group of Sister Helen Prejean's
prayer to abolish the death penalty.
Submitted by: John X. Linnehan, Jacksonville Citizens For A Moratorium (JCFAM) 

FLORIDA STATE PRISON - STARKE
50+ people gathered in the field across from the Death House.  A bus from the Orlando Diocese of the Catholic Church brought in a large group from parishes including Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Community in Daytona Beach.  Fr. Phil Egitto led a prayer and meditation service.  Rev. Glenn Dickson, vigil coordinator for Gainesville Citizens for Alternatives to the Death Penalty (GCADP), conducted a joint reading of "We Remember" with Fr. Phil.  The group joined in.  Following the "Tolling of the Bell" ceremony, we stood in silence, each person with their thoughts and prayers until after the execution was completed.  Singing seemed to begin spontaneously, as many were deeply moved by the services.  The prison security staff were courteous and respectful.
Submitted by Mark Elliott, FADP
 
 
Shine the light,
 
Mark Elliott
Spokesperson, Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty (FADP)
State Death Penalty Abolitionist, Amnesty International USA
(727) 215-9646
mark at fadp.org
 
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