- January 9, 2025
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Alice Flowers decorated her bike helmet with flowers for the vigil.
Ted Wells and his daughter, Arden, 8, were among the hundreds who attended the vigil.
Windermere Mayor Gary Bruhn, Winter Garden Mayor John Rees and Ocoee Mayor Rusty Johnson all were present for the vigil.
Nikki Fosnaugh, left, Windermere Mayor Gary Bruhn, Ocoee Mayor Rusty Johnson, Roberta Walker Mottin, Winter Garden Mayor John Rees and Sean O’Neill.
These temporary tattoos were popular at the Winter Garden vigil.
Brian Ervin had his face painted with a piece that represented the Pulse nightclub and, of course, love.
Musician David Alan Bruce performed several songs, including U2’s “One.”
Winter Garden Rants, Raves and Reviews moderator Roberta Walker Mottin helped organize the vigil.
Lake Apopka provided a beautiful backdrop for the Winter Garden vigil.
Richard Olivieri held daughter Madison close at the vigil.
Devon Dargenio and Casey Faulkner were among the hundreds who attended the candlelight vigil.
Devon Dargenio and Casey Faulkner were among the hundreds who attended the candlelight vigil.
Winter Garden Mayor John Rees said he was proud of how the community was responding with such strength and resolve.
Windermere Mayor Gary Bruhn reminded attendees that the shooting was an attack on the United States.
Local actor and activist Michael Wanzie spoke at the Winter Garden candlelight vigil.
Forty-nine flowers were placed into Lake Apopka in memory of the Pulse shooting victims.
Forty-nine flowers were placed into Lake Apopka in memory of the Pulse shooting victims.
The Congdon family — mom Tamara, left, Alex, father Kenyon, Casey and Morgan — lit candles representing the rainbow.
A bagpiper played “Amazing Grace” following the reading of the 49 victims’ names.
Brianna Walters wore her Orlando United shirt to the vigil.
Ella Davis, 5, hugged her dad, Ryan, during the vigil.
Nina Davis, Brianna Walters and Brendan Walters were among the hundreds who attended the vigil.
Autumn Moore, 9, was part of a brigade that offered free hugs throughout the night.
Aubrie and Austin Fowler, both 8, show off their face paint in support of the community.
Lutheran Church Charities brought comfort dogs from around the U.S. to bring cheer to the Orlando community. They came to the Winter Garden vigil after receiving several invitations.
Brendan, Nyree, Brianna and Ian Walters sported their Orlando United T-shirts.
The vigil was held at Newton Park on Lake Apopka.
Stacy Mosback records Pastor Wes Beacham’s words.
Chloe, John, Andre, Christian and Mason McKeever attended the vigil as a family.
Kari Espinosa, Stephanie Drost and Landen Drost, 3, wear Pride colors to support victims.
Melanie Bruce smiles during a lighter moment in the vigil.
Madison Stachowicz, Rachelle Stachowicz and Brittany Lerebours stream the vigil on Facebook Live.
Karen Enamorado and Maria Berrios feel the speaker’s emotions.
Sebastian and Francisco Enamorado throw roses into Lake Apopka, honoring each person who died in the shooting.
Eileen Cordero and Raquel Plaza Brown set up a table full of candles.
Mike and Staci Ranocchia hold up their candles.
Marisa Mansour, Chad Mansour, Riley Mansour and Leah Goldberg help each another light their candles.
A bagpipe player matched in front of Tanner Park, which was lit up to show support for the victims of the shooting.
Dana Smith held her candles high in the air.
Celiena Rodriguez, 6, honored the victims of the shooting with Bianca Gonzalez.
Jacqueline Korenek remembered Amanda Alvear, one of the women killed in the shooting.
By Michael Eng and Jennifer Nesslar
WINTER GARDEN Hundreds of West Orange residents honored the lives of the 49 Pulse shooting victims at a candlelight vigil Sunday, June 19, at Newton Park in Winter Garden.
The vigil, organized by the Winter Garden Rants, Raves and Reviews; Winter Garden Community; and Windermere Rants, Raves and Reviews Facebook pages, featured speeches from Winter Garden Mayor John Rees, Windermere Mayor Gary Bruhn, local actor and activist Michael Wanzie, among others.
Following the speeches, organizers placed 49 flowers in Lake Apopka as each victim’s name was read. Then, attendees lit candles to show solidarity on a solemn evening.
