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

Narcotics Overdose Prevention and Education (NOPE)
Coordinator Laurie Serra
Nope.pinellas@gmail.com

What:
For the seventh 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 alcohol related overdose. 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 for the future.

When:
The candlelight vigil is scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 22, 2015. The event is open to the public.

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

Why/How: 
The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office is partnering with NOPE for their annual candlelight vigil.

The vigil’s theme this year is: “Changing lives one story at a time.” Guest speakers will “tell their story” and remind those who have lost loved ones to drug overdose or who are struggling with addiction that they are “not alone.”

The candlelight vigil remembers those who have died from drug and alcohol related abuse. The event will also recognize those living and suffering from the disease today; and aspires to bring hope that the community working together can make a difference.

The vigil will bring together a wide range of groups from the religious, government, and private sectors of the community. Pinellas County School students will also be in attendance.

The event is free and open to the public.

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 NOPE, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office and Operation PAR in partnership with the LiveFree Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition of Pinellas County (livefree@operpar.org), among many other community partners.

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