ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Dozens gathered in the Tampa Bay area Friday to remember the victims of Orlando’s Pulse nightclub shooting.
They held a remembrance ceremony at 25th Street and Central Avenue in St. Petersburg. After the ceremony, many grabbed some chalk and wrote tributes on the sidewalk.
“I’m writing ‘We Remember Pulse,’” said St. Pete resident Daniel Glennon.
For many, it’s hard not to remember Pulse, especially a decade after the shooting.
“It’s taken a very large toll,” said St. Pete resident Nathan Martinez.
Martinez lost a very good friend at Pulse. He came up with the idea for Friday’s remembrance so the community could pause, reflect and jot down a few thoughts.
“It could have been any one of us, and unfortunately it was them. And I think we owe it to them to never forget,” Glennon said.
Last year, there was a Pride street mural on 25th Street and Central Avenue in St. Pete. That mural is gone and replaced by chalked tributes. One message names all 49 victims.
Martinez said he knows his friend is watching.
“I think he’s proud of us,” Martinez said.
The Pulse remembrance was organized with the help of St. Pete Pride, Justice Over Everything, Contigo Fund and the Democratic Hispanic Caucus of Florida.