12th Annual Candlelight Vigil To Be Hosted By NOPE Of Hillsborough

TAMPA, FL — It will be an emotional night as Hillsborough County Public Schools teams up with NOPE — Narcotics Overdose Prevention & Education — for the 12th annual Candlelight Vigil on Thursday, Oct. 19, at Hillsborough High School, 5000 N Central Ave., Tampa.

NOPE of Hillsborough holds this vigil in memory of those who have lost their lives due to drug- and alcohol-related incidents, and to help those suffering from the disease of addiction.

The free community event will begin at 6 p.m. with time to reflect on the Memorial Wall, which captures more than 500 photos and stories showing young people who have lost their lives.

The ceremony will begin at 7 p.m. in the Hillsborough High School auditorium with a panel discussion of community leaders including Interim Superintendent Van Ayres, Hillsborough County State Attorney Susan Lopez, Public Defender Julianne Holt, Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy Joseph Maurer and students from East Bay High School’s YMAD (Youth Making a Difference) Club.

The evening will end with a candlelight vigil on the school’s front lawn. Hillsborough High School is located at

For more information, visit the NOPE of Hillsborough’s website.