ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA)— “Lakeside Chat on Gun Violence,” a community call to action following yet another wave of young violence.
Leaders in St. Petersburg are hoping to turn pain into action during the discussion happening Thursday evening in the Childs Park neighborhood.
The community-led event starts at 6 p.m. near 43rd Street and 10th Avenue South. Organizers said the goal is to bring neighbors, families, and young people together to discuss solutions to teen violence and gun crime.
The conversation comes just days after 14-year-old Gaige Santos-Brown was shot and killed after police said he met with other teens in the neighborhood.
A 16-year-old has been arrested and charged with murder. St. Pete police said two other teens have also been arrested in connection with the case.
“We lost our brother and we can’t get him back,” said Selena Brown, the victim’s sister. “But these moms have now lost their sons to the criminal justice system. They’ll now be incarcerated for the foreseeable future.”
Community leaders said families and neighborhoods must work together to break the cycle of violence.
“I’m sick and tired of having to sit in funerals of 14-year-olds,” said St. Petersburg Councilman Corey Givens. “We need better outlets, we need better environments and safe spaces for these kids to grow and thrive.”
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