ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Recent shootings in St. Petersburg brought residents and police together to talk about trying to end the deadly violence.

Police say there have been 28 homicides in the city so far this year.


What You Need To Know

  • St. Pete Police, community members meet to discuss ways to curb gun violence

  • Police, community members, clergy and residents were in attendance

  • Police say there have been 28 homicides so far this year in St. Pete

  • PREVIOUS STORY: Calls grow to curb recent St. Petersburg gun violence

That statistic prompted Tuesday's meeting where residents, clergy, community leaders and Police Chief Anthony Holloway were in attendance.

Also among those taking part in the panel discussion were parents who lost children to gun violence. Esther Eugene, president of the St. Petersburg NAACP, was there to listen but also to be reminded of her personal loss.

“It takes me to to when my brother was murdered," Eugene said.

Her brother George was shot and killed on April 15, 2017, while sitting in his car on 49th St. South. She says the sudden and tragic loss of a loved one to violence is a life shattering experience. 

“When the doctor comes out and says he didn't make it,” said Eugene. “It's like existence comes to complete standstill - 1:09 and you aren't really able to look and connect what the doctor (is) saying and the fact that you're not going to see your brother tomorrow.”

The grief can become self-destructive, or in Eugene's case, it gave her new purpose.

“When my brother was murdered, I had to find a way to do something and the NAACP found me,” Eugene said. 

She hopes other family members grieving over there lost loved ones can find that strength too and work to improve the community in their loved one's memory.

“Find another child,” Eugene said. “Find another family. Find another issue, community issue and pour into it.”