TAMPA, Florida — Exactly one year since gunfire erupted in Ybor City, the community came together to reflect and remember.
A candlelight vigil was held to honor the two people killed and 16 others hurt the weekend before Halloween in Ybor City last year. Harrison Boonstoppel, a 20-year-old, and Elijah Wilson, a 14-year-old, were killed that night.
"That's why we're tonight," Police Chief Lee Bercaw said. "To remember, never forget, and highlight the resiliency."
Tampa police hosted the vigil dubbed "Ybor Night Out: A Time of Remembrance and Resilience," alongside city and county leaders, including Mayor Jane Castor. Officers and the community walked down 7th Avenue holding blue candles.
"There is no ending mark to the pain," Harrison's mother Brucie Boonstoppel said.
Boonstoppel recounted the impact her son made with others, and the 10 minutes she said he spent in Ybor City when he was caught in the crossfire and was killed.
His family has since set up a memorial fund aimed at shedding light on gun violence, among other causes that help younger people.
The walk down 7th Avenue also brought flashbacks to Emily Perez and Kila Ryker. Both were out for Halloween, but their night ended at the hospital after they were shot.
"I was just laying on the floor waiting for someone to help," Perez recalled.
Ryker said she is still recovering physically and mentally. However, both survivors said they feel less alone and want other survivors of gun violence to know they aren't, too.
"We're not victims. We are survivors and I feel like our stories should never end," Perez said.
When asked what changes made have improved safety in Ybor City, Bercaw highlighted required security in parking lots, more off-duty officers, more security cameras and more license plate readers surveying the area through a state grant.
Bercaw said the department met with Orlando Police Department leaders to learn what may work better, as mentioned in a 10 Investigates report examining the shooting one year later.
Bercaw also highlighted discussions that stemmed from town halls and community meetings.
To learn more about the Harrison Bruce Boonstoppel Memorial Fund, visit this link.