Vigil in Sarasota to honor Orlando victims

A candlelight vigil will be held at Five Points Park in Sarasota tonight at 8 p.m. to honor the lives taken at Pulse in Orlando Sunday morning.

Organizers of the Harvey Milk Festival put together the event, which will last until 9:30 p.m. The event will remember victims and support those who are still waiting to hear from friends and family members.

The program includes speakers from the Harvey Milk Festival, Prism, ALSO Youth, Equality Florida and Sarasota resident Jonathan Hall, on behalf of the friends of Eddie Sotomayor.

The Sarasota Police Department asked those going to the vigil to carpool, as the Facebook event page has about 1,300 people attending and 1,700 people interested in the event. Drivers can park at Marina Jack’s or the parking lots on State Street or Palm Avenue. The City of Sarasota also suggested the 2nd and 3rd floors of the 2nd Street parking garage near Whole Foods, which is free of charge, or free street parking.

Candles will be provided by volunteers, according to the event page, but suggested for attendees to bring their own candles and lighters. The Ivory Lounge will be open at 6 p.m. with snacks before the vigil and the Starlite Room will provide light food after.

ALSO Youth is hosting a post-shooting support gathering at 1470 Boulevard of the Arts from 10 a.m. onward Monday for anyone needing to speak to a counselor.

Hannah Morse: 941-745-7055, @mannahhorse

This story was originally published June 13, 2016 at 9:40 AM with the headline "Vigil in Sarasota to honor Orlando victims."