Candlelight vigil in Largo to remember drug overdose victims

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LARGO, Fla. (WFLA) — For the 12th year, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office is partnering with Narcotics Overdose Prevention and Education (NOPE) to host an annual candlelight vigil.

The event will be held on Thursday, October 20th at Largo Central Park, located at 105 Central Park Drive in Largo. It will start at 19:00

The theme of the vigil this year is: “Hearts of Hope”. It’s a continuation of last year’s themes that aim to inspire people to know that there is always hope and hope through addiction recovery.

NOPE’s mission is to reduce the incidence and impact of overdose deaths through community education, family support and purposeful advocacy.

The vigil is held to reduce the stigma surrounding addiction so that those suffering from the disease will openly seek help.

The event will also recognize the many in the community who suffer from addiction and want to bring hope that a community working together can make a difference.

The vigil program includes inspirational messages from local leaders and performances by the local high school choir. The night closes with two keynote speakers and the lighting of candles.

The event is free and open to the public. The event could not take place for the last two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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 on the night of the vigil.