Florida's 5th Judicial Circuit Court and partners honor crime victimsÂ
Ocala, Florida - During the week of April 21-27, 2024, the State Attorney's Office (SAO), Florida's Fifth Judicial Circuit Court, joined with organizations within its district and other organizations across the country to celebrate National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, which honors people who have been affected by crime, recognizing their courage and resilience.
The Fifth Judicial Circuit Court office hosted the 35th-annual Victim Remembrance Ceremony, which was celebrated, once again this year, in each county within the Fifth Judicial Circuit, which includes Marion, Lake, Sumter, Hernando, and Citrus counties. The ceremonies, held in solemn remembrance, were a poignant tribute to crime victims within each community.
"As we reflect on the lives lost and the impact of crime on our community, we recommit ourselves to seeking justice, supporting victims, and fostering a safer, more compassionate society for all," said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney.
"We are deeply grateful to the families who joined us to honor their loved ones and share in this important event," said Fifth Judicial Circuit Court spokesperson Brittney Carman. "The purpose of these ceremonies is to ensure that the victims of crime are not forgotten, that their presence continues to live on in our hearts, and that we steadfastly raise awareness about crime victims and justice within our circuit."
The community partners within Floida's Fifth Judicial Circuit that joined the Fifth Judicial Circuit Court office during the week of ceremonies included:
• Marion County Sheriff's Office
• Ocala Police Department
• Hernando County Sheriff's Office
• Citrus County Sheriff's Office
• Citrus Abuse Shelter Association (CASA)
• Jessie's Place, Citrus County Children's Advocacy Center
• Citrus County Boad of County Commissioners (BOCC)
• Citrus High School Chorus, Category 5
• Lake County Sheriff's Office
• Eustis Police Department
• Sumter County Sheriff's Office
• Wildwood Police Department
For more information on ways Florida's Fifth Judicial Circit Court assists those affected by crime, visit the court's website at www.sao5.org and click on the ‘Victim Services’ tab (lower left, see gavel), to be redirected to the resource page on services offered, victim rights, victim input and impact statements, restitution, and other vital information.