St. Cloud, Kissimmee communities ‘go blue' after officers killed

ST. CLOUD, Fla. — Kissimmee and St. Cloud communities are turning blue with ribbons, wreaths and messages of support after two officers were shot and killed.

Sgt. Sam Howard and Officer Matthew Baxter were gunned down during a confrontation with suspect Everett Miller on Friday, police said.

Howard’s daughter is a student and cheerleader at St. Cloud High School.

“When it happens in your backyard, it’s something completely different,” said resident Jill Murdock. “I just can’t imagine the families, what they’re going through right now.”

Murdock, who has lived in St. Cloud her entire life, created a blue wreath for her family’s front door while her husband, Mark Murdock, decked trees with blue ribbons.

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“I think that’s just a way for everyone to say, to the police officers, ‘Don’t be discouraged. Keep doing what you’re doing,’” said Mark Murdock.

After making two previous stops and leaving empty handed, resident Amber Juba and her daughter, Alyssa, were part of a steady stream searching for ribbon at The St. Cloud Florist.

Its owner is still restocking after going through nearly 20 rolls.

Juba said she went to school with Howard’s wife at St. Cloud High School.

“All we can do is stick together, show support to the family and that’s it,” said Juba.

The store owner said she’s given away 300 bows and doesn’t plan on stopping until everyone who wants one, has one.

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Cox Media Group