Local

Orlando community takes stand against gun violence

ORLANDO, Fla. — Residents of the Parramore neighborhood, Orlando city leaders and people from surrounding communities say more needs to be done to end gun violence to make the city safer.

The annual "Stop the Violence, Embrace Peace" rally was held in Parramore Saturday. The event was held for the first time at the Callahan Neighborhood Center.

At the start of the rally, fallen Orlando police Lt. Debra Clayton was honored for her efforts to unite the community. Her husband was given a Legends award.

Clayton was shot and killed in January outside a Walmart when she tried to arrest accused killer Markeith Loyd, investigators said.

“I know this is going to be the best one ever because of the location we're in,” said Jack Williams Jr., the rally organizer and long-time Parramore resident.

The city and the community have worked on many efforts to turn around Parramore. The new Orlando Police Department headquarters just recently opened, as well as a new fire station. The new Orlando City Soccer stadium was also built in the heart of Parramore.

The all-day event will include music, games and at least 30 performers and speakers set to address the crowd with a messages of peace and unity throughout.

"I want them to know that their dream can come true if they say on the right path," said Williams.

Orlando City Commissioner Regina Hill, who was also close to Clayton, said the gathering was designed so people don't feel alone in the fight against violence.

"There's everybody in this park today saying we are stronger together and no we're not going to be silent. Yes we're going to stand up. Yes, we're going to turn tragedy into triumph," Hill said.

A local boxing coach brought his entire club of kids to support the movement against the violence that he says has taken and ruined so many young lives.

“The grass is already here, there's no more root to it. The grass is here, we just need to support it, it's here. It really is, it's not just talk, it's really here,” said Ruben Saldana, boxing coach.

Saldana said he’s working on getting a van to begin taking his young boxers to more positive events like Saturday’s rally.