After six years of being frozen in time, the building at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, where a tragic shooting took place, has begun its demolition process. The three-story building, known as the 1200 building, was the site of a horrific massacre that claimed the lives of 17 individuals.
The demolition commenced on a Friday morning, with family members of the victims observing from nearby tents on school property. The process is expected to take several weeks, with the building being dismantled in pieces starting from the top floor.
While some community members are relieved to see the building go, others express concerns about the lack of a solid plan for what will replace it. Families of the victims are advocating for a memorial or a space that honors the lives lost in the tragedy.
The shooting, which occurred on Valentine's Day in 2018, left a lasting impact on the community, with 17 families forever changed by the loss of their loved ones. The gunman responsible for the attack was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Several advocacy groups have been formed in the aftermath of the tragedy, including Make Our Schools Safe, which aims to promote school safety measures. Legislation such as Alyssa's Law, requiring panic alarms in schools, has been enacted in multiple states.
As the demolition progresses, community members reflect on the need for improved safety measures in schools and the importance of remembering the victims. The site of the building may be repurposed into a memorial or a space for educational purposes.
Similar to other schools that have experienced mass shootings, the decision to demolish the building is aimed at helping survivors, victims' families, and the community heal from the trauma of the past.
While the physical structure may be torn down, the memories of the tragedy will always remain. The demolition marks a significant step in the healing process for the Parkland community, as they continue to honor the legacy of those who were lost.
