Local Events Commemorate Victims of Parkland Shooting

On Feb. 14, 2018, a gunman opened fire at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and killed 17 students and educators, a horrific event that left the South Florida community reeling. As the shooting nears its one-year mark, the City of Parkland is recognizing Feb. 14 as a Day of Service and Love, dedicated to those who were lost in an act of senseless violence.

As part of the observation, Stoneman Douglas will have a non-academic school day ending at 11:40 a.m. Other Broward schools will have regular school schedules, according to the city.

At 2:21 p.m., the City of Parkland will hold a moment of silence to honor the victims of the shooting. At 10:17 a.m., the entire school district, Broward County and the community at large will recognize a moment of silence.

Several community and volunteer events are planned into the weekend. Take a look at the list below to see how you can become involved.

For a complete list of events, click here.

Feb. 14:

Day of Service and Love at Pine Trails Park

From 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., volunteers will gather at Pine Trails Park for a Day of Service and Love. The project, sponsored by the Broward County School Board, will be done in conjunction with Feed My Starving Children. Click here for information on how to sign up.

At 5:45 p.m., there will be a 30-minute interfaith ceremony for the community. Therapy dogs and counselors will be stationed throughout the park all day.

"The Temple" Art Viewing

Constructed by artist David Best, "The Temple" is a 35-foot-tall piece of artwork "meant to serve as an object of great beauty built out of tremendous loss." The structure was built with victims, grieving families and first responders as a "place for the community to leave their pain."

Starting at 7 a.m. on Feb. 14., "The Temple" will be open for viewing at 9551 West Sample Road in Coral Springs every day until mid-May. The piece will then be burned in a ceremonial fire, a "closing ritual" meant to serve as a cathartic experience.

Virtual Vigil

Mobilizing MSD Alumni will be holding a virtual candlelight vigil across all social media platforms on Feb. 14. The organization is urging the community - as well as people all over the world - to light a candle either alone or with friends and post the photo on social media with the hashtag #17Eagles to honor the 17 victims of the Parkland shooting.

Coral Springs Museum of Art "Healing With Art" Day

From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Coral Springs Museum of Art will be offering a "safe space" for students to gather and hang out. Attendees can participate in several "relaxing art making projects," including a community canvas and painting projects. There will be massage chairs, food, a mini petting zoo and more.

Open Play at the Coral Springs Gymnasium

From 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School students can use the Coral Springs Gymnasium – located at 2501 Coral Springs Drive – for open play. Admission for students from other schools will be $2.

Holy Hour for Peace and Healing: Remembering the MSD Tragedy

From 2 p.m. until 3 p.m., a "Holy Hour for peace and healing" will be open to those who want a sacred place for comfort and spiritual healing a year after the Stoneman Douglas tragedy. The event will take place at the Mary Help of Christians Church located at 5980 University Drive.

Alyssa Alhadeff Beach Clean-Up

In honor of Parkland shooting victim Alyssa Alhadeff – who loved soccer and going to the beach – a beach clean-up will be held at the Deerfield Beach Pier at 2 p.m. More information can be found by e-mailing tammy.orilio@browardschools.com.

The City of Deerfield will be co-sponsoring the event, and will also be holding a beach yoga event at 9 a.m.

City of Pembroke Pines Prayer Vigil

The City of Pembroke Pines will be holding a vigil at the Charles F. Dodge City Center at 601 City Center Way to honor students and staff who lost their lives, as well as "acknowledge the recovery and strength of the students, staff and families who survived." The event will take place at 6:30 p.m.

Tree-Planting Ceremony at City of Coconut Creek

The City of Coconut Creek will be planting a Tree of Life at 10 a.m. at the city's Government Center. The center is located at 4800 West Copans Road.

Chris Hixon Memorial Run/Walk

On Saturday, Feb. 16, a 5K run/walk will be held in honor of Chris Hixon, a coach at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School who was fatally shot while protecting students and attempting to take down the shooter. It costs $30 to register for the race. All proceeds will go toward the Chris Hixon Athletic Scholarship foundation. For more information click here.

If you have a local event that you would like added to this list, please e-mail selima.hussain@nbcuni.com.