- April 25, 2024
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Palm Coast Mayor Milissa Holland issued the following "message of unity" June 2 concerning protests that have erupted across the country in response to the police killing of George Floyd in Minnesota:
"I believe in peaceful protests. It is a fundamental American right to be able to gather and be heard in order to bring about positive, lasting change."
— MILISSA HOLLAND, Palm Coast mayor
"I am deeply saddened by the tragic events of the past few days regarding Minnesota’s George Floyd. Everybody deserves to feel safe in this country. Everybody deserves to feel valued and their voices need to be heard. Not one single person should have to encounter the fears that so many people in our nation are facing daily. My heart is with each and every person who feels marginalized or persecuted.
"I believe in peaceful protests. It is a fundamental American right to be able to gather and be heard in order to bring about positive, lasting change. It’s devastating to see the hate and hurt that so many people are feeling as it plays out in other communities across the nation.
"We must actively come together in our hearts and in our souls to share our loving encouragement with our friends. Speak with a compassionate voice, reach out and say, “What can we do to help you and support you?” As long as I’ve lived here, as long as I’ve known so many of you, I’ve always stood tall with this community as one people. I’ve always been proud that we are one Palm Coast.
"Our strength has always been and will always be our unity in trying times. We have more in common than we have differences. Together, I know that each and every one of us has the humanity and understanding to find common ground."
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on June 1 issued a statement calling George Floyd's killing appalling but also warning that Florida will not permit rioting, and that he'd mobilized Florida National Guard soldiers and coordinated Florida Highway Patrol troopers to support local law enforcement.
"George Floyd’s murder was appalling, and the Minnesota perpetrators need to be brought to justice, but this cannot be used as a pretext for violence in our Florida communities."
— RON DESANTIS, Florida governor
“Florida has zero tolerance for violence, rioting and looting," he said in the statement. "George Floyd’s murder was appalling, and the Minnesota perpetrators need to be brought to justice, but this cannot be used as a pretext for violence in our Florida communities.
He added, “I am in constant contact with state and local leaders, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), the Florida National Guard and the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP). We have devoted significant resources, including the mobilization of 700 Florida National Guard soldiers who are specially trained to support law enforcement. I have also worked with FHP to coordinate more than 1,300 sworn Florida Highway Patrol troopers to support local law enforcement efforts. We will continue to do everything necessary to keep residents safe.
Over the last two days, he continued, he'd spoken with President Donald Trump, Vice President Mike Pence, Florida Senate President Bill Galvano, and leaders of the FDLE, Florida Division of Emergency Management, Florida National Guard and FHP, along with Florida elected officials, mayors, and local law enforcement officials.
“I thank these leaders for their continued partnership and efforts to keep Floridians safe," he said.
