Gainesville events raise awareness about gun violence

Press release from the City of Gainesville

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Gainesville will join communities across the nation to raise awareness about gun violence, amplify the voices of survivors, and build community as part of Gun Violence Awareness Month in June. The events are free and open to the public.

Survivors of Gun Violence Memorial

• When: 10 a.m.-noon on Sat., May 30
• Where: Squirrel Ridge Park, 1603 SW Williston Rd.

In partnership with Alachua County Victim Services and fellow community partners, the memorial event will offer opportunities for reflection, remembrance, and healing.

IMPACT GNV Open Mic Poetry Night

• When: 7-9 p.m. on Wed., June 3
• Where: Nest and Nibble Café, 14 SW First Ave.

IMPACT GNV hosts the first of several open mic nights during Gun Violence Awareness Month, in partnership with Nest & Nibble Café, a new business opening on The Streatery in downtown Gainesville.

Gun Violence Awareness Day Proclamation

• When: 5:30 p.m. on Thurs., June 4
• Where: City Hall Auditorium, 200 E. University Ave.

At the beginning of the evening session of the June 4 Gainesville City Commission meeting, Mayor Harvey Ward and the Gainesville City Commission will designate Friday, June 5, as Gun Violence Awareness Day in Gainesville to honor the lives of gun violence victims and survivors.

Summer Safety: Healthy Afternoons with Gainesville Fire Rescue

• When: 2-5 p.m. on Tues., June 9
• Where: Lincoln Park, 900 SE 15th St.

IMPACT GNV and safety responders from the Gainesville Police Department, Gainesville Fire Rescue, and the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office present a summer safety event focused on gun violence prevention and community safety tips. Free food, fun, and activities for the entire family.

IMPACT GNV Open Mic Poetry Night

• When: 7-9 p.m. on Wed., June 10
• Where: Released Reentry, 4104 NW 13th St.

IMPACT GNV Open Mic Poetry Night (YOUTH NIGHT)

• When: 7-9 p.m. on Wed., June 17
• Where: Depot Park, 874 SE Fourth St.

IMPACT GNV invites everyone to wear orange! (Orange is recognized nationally as the color of gun violence prevention awareness and is worn to honor victims and promote efforts to reduce gun violence.)

IMPACT GNV Open Mic Poetry Night

• When: 7-9 p.m. on Wed., June 24
• Where: Bo Diddley Plaza, 111 E. University Ave.

Community Safety Day Training

• When: 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on Friday, June 26
• Where: GFR Catalyst Building, 606 SE Depot Ave.

This event will include a crisis intervention and de-escalation training led by the Alachua County Crisis Center, focusing on crisis identification, intervention principles, and de-escalation techniques. Participants will engage in a hands-on session conducted by UF Health to learn essential techniques for controlling life-threatening bleeding. Lastly, Gainesville Fire Rescue will cover opioid overdose recognition and the proper administration of Narcan to reverse overdose.