(WFLA) – Communities throughout Tampa Bay have scheduled events on Friday, Sept. 11, 2015 to honor the victims of the September 11 attacks. Friday marks the 14th anniversary of the attacks. WFLA.com has received information about the following ceremonies-
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY
Tampa
Tampa Fire Rescue will hold a 9/11 Observance Ceremony at the Tampa Firefighters Museum, 720 E. Zack Street, on Friday, September 11 at 9 a.m.
The public is encouraged to attend and join us in honoring the men and women who died during the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. The ceremony will last about 20 minutes. General seating is from 8:35 to 8:55 a.m. Mayor Bob Buckhorn, along with members of the Tampa City Council and representatives from local EMS and law enforcement agencies are scheduled to attend. Fire Chief Tom Forward will be the master of ceremonies.
Hillsborough County Schools
Hillsborough County Schools will be holding multiple events. Students, staff, and members of the community will hold several events on Friday to remember those who died or were injured on September 11, 2001 and to honor the many heroes who put their own lives in danger that day. Here are just a few of the events:
Nelson Elementary – Ribbons to Remember, 8:00 a.m.- 8:30 a.m.
Students and staff will gather in the school courtyard to remember and honor the heroes of September 11. They will also recognize the contributions of our military families and those serving in law enforcement and as firefighters. The Durant High School ROTC Color Guard will do the presentation of colors. Some parents serving in the military will be joined by their children to place ribbons on trees at the school. Asst. Principal Mary Lou Hewett, 5413 Durant Road, Dover
Yates Elementary – Patriots Day Celebration Honoring our First Responders, 8:30 a.m.-9:15 a.m.
Students will honor local first responders with a ceremony where they will sing songs, read poems, and thank local law enforcement for all they do to keep our schools safe. The children will present a gift basket to each law enforcement department. Honorees include: Fire Station 11, employees from the Orient Rd. and Falkenburg Rd. jails, Homeland Security (Dive Team), Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, and Hillsborough County Public Schools Resource Officers. This year, HCSO’s Aviation Department will land their helicopter on campus, allowing students to tour the helicopter. Principal Richard Shields, 301 N. Kingsway, Brandon
Tampa Bay Boulevard Elementary – Flag Ceremony, 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
The School Security Services Honor Guard will conduct a flag ceremony at 8:30 a.m. outside the school at the flagpole. Following the flag ceremony three school security officers who were first responders on September 11 in New York will do a presentation at 9:00 a.m. in the school’s media center. Principal Glenda Rodriguez, 3111 Tampa Bay Blvd., Tampa
Freedom High School – September 11th Commemoration, 8:46 a.m.
Freedom High School will conduct their annual September 11 ceremony at 8:46 a.m. The 10-minute ceremony occurs in the courtyard at Freedom HS and includes participants from Freedom’s Band, student government, and NJROTC. The ceremony will commence with the National Anthem, sung by Bravo Company, as the Freedom NJROTC presents the colors, and concludes with the playing of Taps. Principal Kevin Stephenson will deliver brief remarks to the student body highlighting the importance of the school’s commemoration and relaying how the school was named “Freedom” in the aftermath of the attack to honor those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. Principal Kevin Stephenson, 17410 Commerce Park Blvd., Tampa
Middleton High School – Moment of Silence, 8:46 a.m.
Students and staff at Middleton High School will honor the memory of the 2,977 killed in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks by having a moment of silence at 8:46 a.m. Principal Kim Moore, 4801 N. 22nd Street, Tampa
FishHawk Ranch
FishHawk Ranch Area Middle School Remembers 9/11
Students at Randall Middle School will honor those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001 with a special tribute on the school lawn. Randall Middle School is located in FishHawk Ranch. The community has provided funds for the school to purchase reusable memorial markers.
Students research and write biographies for each of the 2.977 victims who died on 9/11 at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, and create memorial markers for each person lost. Then all Randall students, through their Social Studies classes, place the markers on the lawn to form an American flag. Through their participation and classroom instruction, Randall students learn about the causes, the immediate and long range impact the events of September 11, 2001 had on our nation.
Several local and national organizations have honored this project, including Remember, Honor, Support Foundation (based in Tampa Bay) and TrueHero.org chose the memorial as its national Middle School Project of the Year in 2014. In 2012, the national organization Kids Voting USA recognized the memorial with its Impact Award.
Students will be filling the school lawn with this tribute on September 11, 2015 beginning at 9:30 a.m. The public is invited to view the memorial and read the student-created biographies from 4:30 p.m. on September 11, 2015 through Monday, September 15. Randall Middle School is located at 16510 Fishhawk Blvd. in Lithia
PINELLAS COUNTY
Palm Harbor
A 9/11 Memorial Service will be held at Curlew Hills Memory Gardens in Palm Harbor on Friday, September 11.
The event will include keynote speaker Garrett Goodwin, who was a heroic first responder at the World Trade Center at the World Trade Center. The event will also include for the first time the Remembering Our Fallen display. This unique traveling exhibit features names and photos of Florida soldiers who have died fighting the War on Terror since September 11, 2001. There are 304 Florida soldiers who died from wounds suffered in the war zone while wearing our country’s uniform that are honored on the display.
This is a one-of-a-kind memorial. A 150-pound piece of rusted steel beam, which was once part of the World Trade Center Towers, is its focal point. The memorial is constructed with nearly 30 tons of American granite and features an eternal flame at its base. In an effort to bring this special event to people everyone, there will be a live feed available at CurlewHills.com. People can watch the ceremony as it occurs by visiting the website on September 11 at 10 a.m. Curlew Hills Memory Gardens is located at 1750 Curlew Rd. in Palm Harbor.
Safety Harbor
The City of Safety Harbor will host a September 11th Tribute on Friday September 11, 2015 starting at 9:00 am. The Tribute will be held at the new 9/11 Memorial in between City Hall and Fire Station 52 on Main Street.
The Tribute program will include thoughts and words from people that were affected by the attacks on America, including Anne Koster, a 9/11 survivor. Brief Remarks will be made by the Mayor and City Commissioners, the Safety Harbor Fire Department and V.F.W. Women’s Auxiliary. The Safety Harbor Elementary School Chorus will perform during the event as well. Members of American Legion Post 238, V.F.W. Post 100093 and Fire Department Honor Guard will present the colors before the Tribute.
Clearwater
Members of the Clearwater Fire & Rescue Department will observe the anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on Friday morning at the various fire stations.
At 9:50 a.m., each fire station will bring out the apparatus out of the stations and onto the aprons with their lights on. Nine minutes later, firefighters will stand at attention as an announcement will be made over the radio, followed by a moment of silence.
A unique ceremony will also be held at the training center, which is located adjacent to Station 48, 1600 N. Belcher Road. That ceremony will take place at 9 a.m. and involve six firefighter recruits who will be on the last day of their fire training to become Clearwater Fire & Rescue firefighters. A piece of one of the original towers from Sept. 11 will be brought into the 9-11 room at that time. Each new recruit has picked a fallen fire company to pay tribute to and will wear a tribute to that company as they complete their final exam to become a Clearwater firefighter.
POLK COUNTY
Winter Haven
6th Annual Honoring Our Heroes – Remembering the Day
The Polk County Veteran’s Council along with all Polk County Fire and Law Enforcement agencies are coordinating an event marking the fourteenth anniversary of 9-11 that honors all Polk County’s first responders while paying tribute to those who lost their lives on that fateful day.
Honoring Our Heroes – Remembering the Day will take place on Friday, September 11, 2015, at Central Park in Downtown Winter Haven. The event will begin at 5:45 p.m. featuring the Freedom Walk to honor all Military, Law Enforcement, Fire Fighters and EMS heroes, followed by a moving service that will pay tribute to all heroes who call Polk County home.
“This event is a way to pull all of Polk County together and show our local heroes how much they mean to us,” said Gary Clark, Chairman of the Polk County Veteran’s Council. “As a community, we should pay tribute to all of those who serve us on a daily basis, putting their lives on the line whether here at home or abroad.”
A 50-dove release will kick off the Freedom Walk with members from all law enforcement and fire agencies along with military personnel from every branch on hand to each release a single dove. This release is in conjunction with a nationwide dove release occurring on the same day.
A beautiful memorial, “Some Gave All” will be displayed in Central Park throughout the day. Some Gave All is dedicated to all heroes who have perished in war. Additionally, a boot display will honor each Polk County hero who has perished in the line of duty. This includes law enforcement, fire/EMT as well as military.
The Winter Haven Police Department is the sponsoring law enforcement agency for the event with the Winter Haven Fire Department assisting from the fire department side. All law enforcement and fire agencies in Polk County are set to participate in this memorable event.
MANATEE COUNTY
Bradenton
The State College of Florida (SCF) campuses Manatee-Sarasota in Bradenton will hold a 9/11 ceremony.
Dianne Spence, a retired NYPD First Grade Detective who arrived at ground zero shortly after the collapse of the World Trade Center, will be the keynote speaker at a 9/11 ceremony at the Bradenton campus of State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) beginning at 8:45 a.m. Friday, Sept. 11. The campus is located at 5840 26th St W, Bradenton, FL 34207
Spence, who now works as a resource officer at the SCF Collegiate School, served on the NYPD for more than 22 years. At the time of the attack, she was assigned to the Narcotics Division of the South Bronx. Upon her arrival at the twin towers, she joined one of the iconic bucket brigades.”I arrived shortly after the tower collapsed and didn’t go home until five days later,” Spence said.
She remained involved in the rescue and recovery efforts for the next six months, including many 12-hour shifts working as a “sifter,” painstakingly searching through debris shipped from ground zero to a Staten Island landfill for anything that could help identify the victims. While she tends to be very private about her connection to 9/11, Spence agreed to share her story to ensure that no one ever forgets that fateful day, not so much for the tragedy of it, but for the way the nation came together in response.
“It made us so much stronger as a country. People all came together and supported one another. I really want to share what that was like,” she said, recalling driving down the West Side Highway on her way to work to the applause of people who lined the road to show their appreciation. Spence, who began working at SCF in April, also is touched that the College hosts these public observances of the anniversary.
“It happened so far away from here,” she said. “To have the place where I am now employed make a point of remembering the day means the world to me.” The ceremony will begin at the flagpole at the 26th Street West entrance to SCF Bradenton with a welcome from Student Life Resource Officer Christopher Wardman. Randy Kennedy, a U.S. Army veteran and member of the SCF Bradenton chapter of the Student Veterans of America (SVA), also will speak. The Rev. Bryan D. O’Carroll will lead a prayer followed by a moment of silence.
The Cedar Hammock Fire Rescue crew will have trucks positioned with emergency lights to recognize fallen 9/11 fire rescue workers. The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office also will take part and Sergeant Debritto and Staff Sergeant Gomez, both from the Recruiting Station Sarasota, will lower the flag to half-staff, accompanied by SCF students John D’Amico and Carlos Guerra on the trumpet.
SARASOTA COUNTY
North Port
The City of North Port is remembering the 9/11 anniversary with two city events.
Patriots Day Memorial Service – Friday 9-11-2015 – 8:30 AM at City Center Blvd. Flag Circle
Each year since the devastating terrorist attacks of 9-11-2001, the City of North Port has taken time out to remember those lost that day at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and on Flight 93. We now pause on what has become dedicated as Patriots Day to honor all those who serve and protect us; our Military, Police, Fire and EMS. Friday’s services will begin with all uniformed personnel marching from Fire Station 81 down City Center Blvd. to the Flag Circle led by the Fire Department and Police Department Honor Guards. The American Flag will then be placed at half-staff and all present will be asked to join in the Pledge of Allegiance. Pastor Brian Zdrojowy of Awaken Church will offer an opening prayer followed by a moment of silence and the sounding of the Last Alarm bell in memory of those lost. Speakers will include Mayor Rhonda Y. DiFranco, Police Chief Kevin Vespia and Fire Chief Bill Taaffe. The ceremony will conclude with the bagpipers playing of Amazing Grace. The ceremony is open to the public and several hundred people attend each year.
5th Annual Remember the Fallen 5K – Saturday 9-12-2015 Registration 6:00 AM Race 7:30 AM at the George Mullen Center.
This year marks the 5th Annual Remember the Fallen 5K Memorial Run, hosted by the North Port Fire Rescue Honor Guard and the City of North Port. The run was inspired by the events of September 11, 2001 and the first Remember the Fallen Run was held to signify the ten-year anniversary of that day.
This charitable community event has grown from only 200 runners/walkers to an anticipated 700+ participants in just five short years. Race times for all runners/walkers will be through electronic chip timing with awards in all age groups, from 9 and under to 80 and older. There is also a special award group for firefighters running in full gear.
The Remember the Fallen 5K Memorial Run is a family event that is open to all ages to run, walk or just attend and cheer on the runners. The race course includes the display.
Venice
Come join us at the 3rd Annual 9.11 Memorial Ceremony at Patriots Park, in Venice, FL. Friday September, 11th, 2015. The Memorial Ceremony begins at 10:00 am to 12:00 Noon.
The Memorial Ceremony will consist of the Braden River Pipers, Welcome, Invocation, Presentation of the Colors, Pledge of Allegiance, National Anthem, Reflections from Guest Speakers, Gold Star Parents of those Fallen Heroes killed in The Hornets’ in Afghanistan, Gold Star Parents of Brian Bill, Navy SEAL Team 6 Member, the reading of letter from the Mother of Tyrone Woods, Retired Navy SEAL (One of the Benghazi Four), Dr. Rich Swier, Retired Lt. Col., Subject Matter Expert on Terrorism, TAPS, Closing Remarks, Benediction and God Bless America.
We have engraved over 500+ names including Civilians, First Responders, 348 Names of Floridian Fallen Heroes, 91 Navy SEAL’s, two (2) of which are recipients of The Medal of Honor including the 22 Navy SEAL’ s killed on Extortion 17, also 47 Night Stalkers of the 160th SOAR, The Benghazi Four and Chris Kyle the Greatest Sniper in US Military History. To view the 9.11 Fallen Heroes Memorial and the names already engraved of Our Fallen Heroes click on http://bit.ly/1wxK8pi .
We plan to engrave 44 additional names by Friday, September 11, 2015 of Our Fallen Heroes on the Walls to see those names and their units click on http://bit.ly/1G3tr7A. Please donate to help defray the cost of engraving of the names, click on contribute now – SaltOfTheEarthUSA.org We will have the (2) magnificent GM 9.11vehicles the American Pride Camaro and the First Responder Chevrolet Silverado on display for details on the vehicles watch the videos click on: http://bit.ly/1QGiX7K and click on http://bit.ly/1IhK0kb. Please Car Pool, come early pick a spot set-up your lawn chair and enjoy Memorial Ceremony. Cold bottled water will be provided. For the location of Patriots Park click on the following http://bit.ly/1WWCcdI.
The State College of Florida (SCF) Venice campus will hold a 9/11 commemoration.
SCF Venice will commemorate the anniversary with a separate observance featuring Brandon Henry, an SCF student and Army combat veteran who served two tours in Iraq. The campus is located at 8000 S. Tamiami Tr. in Venice.
The Venice Campus Chapter of SVA will host the 9/11 SCF Venice ceremony at 9:30 a.m. in the circular drive by the flagpoles at the entrance to the College. The featured speaker will be SCF student and SVA Vice President Brandon Henry. Henry is an Army combat veteran and military police specialized search dog handler who served two combat tours in Iraq. He is working toward his Associate in Arts degree, with plans to attend the University of South Florida to earn a Bachelor of Arts in psychology.
Sergeant Robert S. Massuci, head of SCF Venice Campus Public Safety, will lead the flag ceremony. Sgt. Massuci joined the Rome, N.Y., Police Department as a patrolman in January of 1988. After retiring from the police force in July of 2008, he joined State College of Florida’s Public Safety Office.
Venice Station No. 26 firefighters Lt. Kelly Cosgrove, Jamel Haisley, Juan Gonzalez and Joshua Fuller will assist in the flag ceremony. The North Port High School Sextet directed by Chris Brown will perform the National Anthem and Amazing Grace. The sextet consists of students Kayle Brown, Sara Damasco, Angelina Darby, Sara Hart, Hillary Newton and Ericka Weaver. In addition, North Port High School student Denae Rabinette will participate for the second year in a row, playing Taps at the conclusion of the ceremony.
The State College of Florida (SCF) Lakewood Ranch campus will hold a 9/11 commemoration.
SCF Lakewood Ranch will hold its first ever memorial with Engineer Jefferson Bagley, who has served more than 10 years with East Manatee County Fire Rescue Station 4, offering his perspective. All events are free and open to the public. The campus is located at 7131 Professional Pkwy. E. in Sarasota.
The SCF Lakewood Ranch ceremony will begin at 8:45 a.m. at the main flagpole. SCF Bradenton Veterans Advisor Delane Solana, a former U.S. Marine, will host the ceremony, which has special meaning to her as her brother-in-law, also a former Marine, was a survivor from the South Tower. The keynote speaker will be Engineer Jefferson Bagley, who has served more than 10 years with East Manatee County Fire Rescue Station No. 4. Other Station No. 4 members also will be in attendance.
Commandant Mike Monteleone from the Marine Corps League Detachment No. 588 will serve as Chaplain, leading a prayer and a moment of silence. Other members of No. 588, including L.J. Canfield, Bill Jarowyi, Bob Fields, Dave Klein, Linda Klein, Stephen Dalton and Cris Lovell, will lower the flag to half-staff and play Taps. SCF Choir member Cami McLean, soprano, will sing Amazing Grace.
Daisy Vulovich, AVP of Corporate and Community Development, will make closing remarks.
If you see that a 9/11 ceremony or event is not included in this list, you can email details about the ceremony to news@wfla.com.