The Seminole County Supervisor of Elections will be holding a lottery drawing for those wishing to watch the George Zimmerman trial up close and personal.
The 24 seats available to the general public do not include family member seating, room for attorneys, or the media.
More than 200 journalists are expected to be present during the trial, mostly in overflow rooms or in satellite trucks outside the courthouse.
To put your name in the lottery to attend the first day of the trial, which is scheduled for June 10, you have to go to the Seminole County Supervisor of Elections Office on Friday, June 7 between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Employees will have you fill out a card with your name and phone number. If your card is drawn, expect a call Friday evening.
The Seminole County Sheriff’s Office has devised a strict security plan for the courthouse.
They said protestors, or those wanting to watch, can set up in front of the courthouse in designated areas.
In anticipation of the trial, the family of Trayvon Martin held a peace rally and prayer vigil in Miami Saturday.
Below is a full statement from the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit:
Members of the general public who want to attend the State vs. Zimmerman trial beginning June 10, can enter a lottery for one of the 24 available seats in the courtroom.
The Court will accept applications for a random drawing at the Supervisor of Elections Office at 1500 E. Airport Boulevard in Sanford, Monday through Friday, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Those interested in entering must submit their name and phone number at the Elections office, one day prior to the court date they wish to attend.
Those who are selected will be notified by phone and given instructions for picking up their visitor pass at the courthouse the following morning. Photo ID will be required.
The trial will be held at the Seminole County Criminal Justice Center, located at 101 Bush Blvd. in Sanford. The first drawing will be held on Friday, June 7, for the first day of jury selection on Monday, June 10. For more information, go to the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit website at www.flcourts18.org.