Who: 
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Patrol Operations Bureau
-School Resource Deputies
-Community Policing Deputies
-Explorer Post 900
-Honor Guard
Department of Detention and Corrections

Narcotics Overdose Prevention and Education (NOPE)
Coordinator Laurie Serra
www.nopepinellas.org

Community Partners:

LiveFree - Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition of Pinellas County

City of Largo

Landon Korabek - OneLove Foundation

Suncoast Hospice – Empath Health

What:
For the eleventh consecutive year, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office is partnering with Narcotics Overdose Prevention & Education (NOPE) to host the annual candlelight vigil remembering those who have died as a result of drug and/or alcohol related incidents. The gathering is also an effort to reach out and support those who are currently living with addiction; and bring hope that the community working together can make a difference.

When: 
The candlelight vigil is scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 17, 2019. The event is free and open to the public.

Where: 
The event will take place at Largo Central Park, located at 105 Central Park Drive in Largo (at the corner of East Bay Drive and Seminole Boulevard).

Why/How: 
For the eleventh consecutive year, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office is partnering with Narcotics Overdose Prevention & Education (NOPE) to host the annual candlelight vigil.

The vigil’s theme this year is: “Hearts of Hope.” The mission of NOPE is to diminish the frequency and impact of overdose death through community education, family support, and purposeful advocacy.

The annual vigil is held to reduce the stigma surrounding addiction so that those suffering with the disease will openly seek help. The event will also recognize the many in our community who are suffering from addiction; and aspires to bring hope that the community working together can make a difference.

The vigil program includes inspirational messages from local leaders and performances by a local high school chorus. The night closes with a keynote speaker and the lighting of candles.

The event is free and open to the public. Approximately 1,000 people were in attendance for the vigil last year.

Attendees who have lost a family member or friend to drugs or alcohol are encouraged to bring a picture to place on the memorial wall the night of the vigil.

The event is being hosted by Narcotics Overdose Prevention and Education of Pinellas (NOPE), and the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office with community partners, LiveFree Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition of Pinellas County, the City of Largo, Landon Korabek OneLove Foundation, and Suncoast Hospice Empath Health.

The media is invited to cover. Please contact Corporal Jessica Mackesy with Pinellas County Sheriff’s Public Information Office at 727-582-6221 for additional information.