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Sanford residents anxiously await Zimmerman trial verdict

SANFORD, Fla. — Sanford residents awaiting the verdict in the George Zimmerman trial said they are ready for the trial to be over.

They said the past year has been a rough one for Sanford, but residents Eyewitness News spoke with believe once the trial is over, regardless of the verdict, people will be able to move on.

Francis Oliver runs the welcome center in the Goldsboro neighborhood.

She and others have been there all day Saturday. Some wore Trayvon Martin shirts, others waved signs and chanted.

Everyone anxiously watched the developments and waited for the jury to come back with a verdict.

"We're almost at the end of it now," Oliver said.

Oliver said most of the people who came to the center in Goldsboro said they couldn't sleep Friday night, awaiting the possible verdict Saturday.

"I feel like the verdict will come in before we leave today," said Goldsboro resident Emma, who did not want to give her last name.

"I feel like all of us are tired, the parents, the onlookers; everyone is tired, and especially the ladies who are in that back room trying to make that decision," Emma said.

Since the start of the trial, Oliver said people have been showing up at the center to see the Trayvon Martin monument and the artwork created following his death.

She said the city has been through a lot and it's time to heal.

"We'll all be glad when it's over," Oliver said.

Everyone Eyewitness News spoke with said they never imagined the case would have the attention of a worldwide audience.

They also agree despite the fact this was a tragedy, they believe once the trial is over, it will change the city and everyone here.

"It's sad that it happened in our town, but I think it's going to bring us closer together," Emma said.