The headline "Zimmerman Arrested" was splashed across every local paper in Sanford on Thursday, the day after special prosecutor Angela Corey announced the second-degree murder charge against George Zimmerman, who was taken into custody after weeks in hiding.
Some in Sanford are breathing a sigh of relief. An arrest means a trial – and, Trayvon Martin supporters say, a chance to see the justice they've been demanding for over a month.
"Tears came to my eyes. It just makes me happy because I know the family members. Right now I'm a little speechless," said Katherine Johnson, who attended high school with Martin's mother, Sybrina Fulton.
Across town, the support for the Martin family is palpable. Small businesses display their solidarity through signs. "Our Prayers Are With the Martin Family," reads one.
Some believe the case has taken its toll on the city and its image. The high-profile case has meant unwanted attention for some residents.
Though the latest details of the case were the talk of the town at a local diner, no one wanted to speak on camera for fear of sounding insensitive. They say no matter what side of the issue they're on, Zimmerman's arrest is the best thing that could happen for the community.
"Everybody is looking for closure, everybody is looking for it to quiet down and basically go away. But the problem is still there, in every small town and in every large city across the country," Jimbo Carter said.
The auto repair shop where he works was not so shy about reminding locals of Sanford's charms. The statement "Sanford Is Still a Good Little Town," was spelled out in letters on the marquee.
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"I put it up because Sanford is still a good little town. I've lived here 30 years, I've raised a family off of this paycheck," Carter said.
It is clear that some in Sanford are ready to turn over a new leaf – though the tragedy of the Miami Gardens teen's death and the upcoming trial might be a chapter in this city's history that proves hard to forget.
