TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL)-- High tensions are expected once a verdict comes down in the George Zimmerman trial.
Agencies in Florida are asking people to stay calm.
"Raise your voice and not your hands. We need to stand together as one. No cuss no guns. Let's give violence a rest because we can easily end up arrested. We know your patience will be tested but law enforcement has your back."
That's a new public service announcement from the Broward County Sheriff's Office, encouraging people to keep any protests peaceful when the verdict comes down in the George Zimmerman murder trial. Even here in the capital city, organizations say they are ready to respond to high tensions.
"We are currently working with the police department and law enforcement locally to prepare a contingency plan that we hope we never have to use," said the Tallahassee NAACP President Dale Landry.
Landry says they've been educating people in the community on the possible outcomes of the trial in hopes emotions don't become violent.
"We've had a couple of incidents where we have had emotions that overflowed as a result of outcomes of trials," said Landry. "You may remember what happened with the Martin Lee Anderson trial, with folks getting emotional and upset."
They're not expecting acts of violence here at home but if something was to happen, Landry says they're trained to minister to people to calm them down.
Governor Scott's Communication Director Melissa Sellers released this statement:
“Our office is in contact with law enforcement throughout Florida to ensure they have the resources needed to keep Floridians safe.”
