WHEREAS, on February 14, 2018, a gunman opened fire at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, taking 17 innocent lives; and

WHEREAS, the lives of Alyssa Alhadeff, Scott Beigel, Martin Duque Anguiano, Nicholas Dworet, Aaron Feis, Jaime Guttenberg, Chris Hixon, Luke Hoyer, Cara Loughran, Gina Montalto, Joaquin Oliver, Alaina Petty, Meadow Pollack, Helena Ramsay, Alex Schachter, Carmen Schentrup and Peter Wang shall always be remembered; and

WHEREAS, teachers and faculty showed unwavering bravery, courage and compassion as they heroically ran toward danger to help save the lives of students; and

WHEREAS, the teachers, faculty and staff continue to go above and beyond to ensure the survivors of this terrible tragedy are able to persevere and prosper in their future endeavors; and

WHEREAS, we express our deepest gratitude to the law enforcement, first responders and medical personnel who quickly responded to the horrific scene and selflessly risked their lives to help the students, teachers, staff and families of those affected; and

WHEREAS, community members, religious leaders and volunteers from all across South Florida came together over the past year to pray, heal and unite the community as they tried to recover from the devastating act of violence at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School; and

WHEREAS, the lives of survivors, families, loved ones and the Parkland community continue to be in our thoughts and prayers as they continue to recover and heal from this tragedy; and

WHEREAS, we convey our sincere sympathy to the families and loved ones affected; express appreciation to those teachers and first responders of Parkland, Florida; and always remember that Floridians will stand strong in times of tragedy.

NOW, THEREFORE, l, Ron DeSantis, Governor of the State of Florida, by virtue of the power and authority vested in me by 4 U.S.C. 5 7(m), as amended on June 29, 2007, and the laws and Constitution of the State of Florida, do hereby:

1. Ask all residents of the State of Florida to pause for a moment of silence at 3:00 p.m. on February 14th ; and

2. Direct all State flags in Florida to be lowered to half-staff from sunrise until sunset on February 14th in memory of the 17 innocent lives lost.