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| Seminole County Courthouse |
It's likely that the George Zimmerman trial may come to an end this week. As Central and South Florida braces for the end of the biggest trial since Casey Anthony, deputies are reminding everyone to stay calm no matter what the jury decides.
The Broward County Sheriff's Office has released two Public Service Announcements telling everyone to remember that the sheriff's office has their back. In one PSA, a somber Sheriff Scott Israel states "You have a right to express yourself but what you say and do should not hurt others." Miami Heat star James Jones is also in the video encouraging everyone to "Talk it out. Show your community what you stand for."
In a press release posted on the Broward County Sheriff's Office website, the sheriffs department states it's "working closely with the Sanford Police Department and other local local law enforcement agencies." It goes on to say that the BSO has developed a coordinated response plan with the Sanford Police Department, a statement that Sanford Police Chief Cecil Smith denies. In a statement to Orlando Sentinel Smith says that the Sanford Police has had no real contact with the Broward County Sheriffs Office. He states that he did not know of the videos published by the BSO.
The Seminole County Sheriff's Office has setup two public assembly zones near where the trial is taking place for those who wish to express themselves. Smith pointed out that these assembly zones have seen very little turnout throughout the trial.
Back in South Florida, more than 200 people including local and religious leaders and elected officials, turned out to a rally in Miami Gardens. The leaders and officials called for peace following the trial. That rally was put on by Miami-Dade County Community Relations Board. The Miami-Dade Police Department set up "First Amendment zones" throughout the county for protests. Religious centers in the county are also planning to open their doors for community forums following the trial. The Miami-Dade Police have stated they are prepared if any violence does occur following the case and encourages the public stay up to date with the departments facebook and Twitter. Those who are less tech-savvy can find information via 311.
The Southern Christian Leadership Council will be holding a press conference at the Seminole County Courthouse at 11am on Thursday, July 11. They, too, will call for peace following the trial.
'Trayvon Riot' has been a trending topic on Twitter since before the trial. Nationwide, major cities where race riots have occurred in the past are bracing for what some are calling 'Rodney King 2.0.' King, who's own case in 1992 caused major riots including here in Florida, issued a statement as the Zimmerman trial began in which he states; "Two wrongs do not make a right."
A facebook page "Riot for Trayvon" has been shut down. The page included this post: "Justice in an eye for an eye." The Sanford Police Department has confirmed that it was looking into the page before it was shut down.
Make sure to send us your photos of protesters (please include where and when you spotted them). You can send them to us via email, twitter, or facebook.
