Tens of thousands of people are expected to rally in Sanford on Monday to demand justice in the Trayvon Martin shooting death.
It's been one month since the shooting death of Martin and supporters are expected to gather in Fort Mellon Park to demand justice. The rally will begin at 4:00 p.m. at the Centennial Park and end at the Sanford Civic Center.
Martin's family and several well-known figures will then attend the Sanford City Commission meeting where the family is expected to deliver 1,000,000 petitions demanding the arrest of triggerman George Zimmerman. The city commission meeting will begin at 5:00 p.m.
Martin, 17, was unarmed when he was shot dead by 28-year-old Zimmerman inside a gated Sanford community. Zimmerman told police he shot Martin in self-defense.
A man identified as a friend of Zimmerman said the man would tell the teen's parents he's "very, very sorry" if he could. Speaking Monday on ABC's "Good Morning America," Joe Oliver said Zimmerman is someone who thought he was doing the right thing and has now virtually lost his own life.
Both Oliver and Craig Sooner, an attorney speaking for Zimmerman, said there is other evidence that hasn't come out that shows Zimmerman was acting in self-defense when he shot and killed 17-year-old Trayvon Martin in February.
The shooting has sparked widespread outrage, with many calling for Zimmerman's arrest.
Hundreds of people gathered for peace outside Sanford City Hall Sunday night.
"Peace, man. It's all about peace and unity. We can't do anything divided," Sanford resident Brittnay Washington said.
But Sunday night, the focus was not on the past, it was on the present and the city's future.
"It's a truly tragic situation but it's drawn us closer, not just black or white, but all races," Sanford resident Kenneth Temple said.
"I really do enjoy the fact that something like this can bring people together," said Sanford resident Michael Quigley.
Sanford Mayor Jeff Triplett spoke at the rally with his two boys by his side.
Later he talked to reporters, his emotions still raw.
"This is the stuff that gets you in the heart," said Triplett.
Residents put a large white cross outside the place Martin died.
There was also more prayer as the city moves forward, remembering what happened to the teen but not forgetting what his death has meant to everyone in Sanford.
A number of Florida universities and colleges will be holding rallies Monday to mark the one month anniversary of Martin's death.
Florida State University, the University of Florida and Florida A&M University will hold rallies on their respective campuses, demanding justice for the 17-year-old and his family.
No criminal charges have been filed in the shooting death of Martin, but the Home Owner's Association where the shooting took place will have to answer to a judge in the civil courts.
Martin's parents plan to sue the HOA of Twin Lakes in a wrongful death suit.
WFTV talked to an attorney who handles HOA lawsuits and she said it most likely doesn't have insurance that would cover a neighborhood watch volunteer's actions, which could cost the homeowners lots of money.
"In a wrongful death action, which carries some of the highest jury awards out there, who's going to pay? Everybody who's living in the community is going to pay for the cost of legal fees to fight the action and the cost of any award," said attorney Donna Berger.
The attorney also calls it rare that a volunteer would carry a gun and questions if the HOA knew that.
George Zimmerman's friend speaks
Many people are calling Zimmerman one of the most hated people in America, but one of his friends has come to his defense. (Watch video here)
"The reason why he was following this suspicious person that he saw, was because the neighborhood had a rash of break-ins," said Oliver in an ABC News interview, which aired Sunday night.
Oliver said he spoke with Zimmerman this weekend. He said Zimmerman was immediately distraught over having shot and killed Martin.
"I do know that George had no intention of taking anyone's life. He cried for days after," said Oliver.
Oliver said Zimmerman's life has changed completely since that night.
"He's moved, they've disconnected their phone numbers, they're in hiding, they're fearful," said Oliver.
"And what about the 911 call when in that background - a voice cries out for help?" ABC News asked.
"I hear George. I do hear George," said Oliver.
"Trayvon Martin's family hears their teen's voice?"
"I'm sure they do," said Oliver.
Zimmerman's attorney told WFTV that he prefers his client just stay in hiding for now.
Governor Rick Scott is calling for justice and the due process of law in the Martin case.
Scott ordered the FDLE to conduct a thorough investigation.
He said Zimmerman should not be threatened.
"You have got to make sure no one feels uncomfortable that's not been accused of a crime. So if he feels unsafe, then we'll make sure nothing happens to him," said Scott.
Scott said Zimmerman has not requested any special protection from the state.
Martin's family receives continued support
Martin's mother said she and her family have had the support of sports stars, including Dwayne Wade and LeBron James, speaking out about the case.
"I’d just like to say that we really thank them, that we appreciate all of their support. It means a lot to us,” said Sybrina Fulton.
She thanked the NBA’s Miami Heat for attending an event in Miami Sunday night and for taking notice of her son's death.
Fulton is scheduled to be back in Sanford for Monday’s rally, before heading to Washington DC to testify before a congressional hearing on her son's death later in the week.
Members of a group called the New Black Liberation Militia are calling for Zimmerman to be charged with murder.
"The Florida statute of homicide, he should be charged as such rather than manslaughter because that's cold blooded murder that George Zimmerman did," said Najee Muhammad, of the New Black Liberation Militia.
Members of the group from Atlanta were in Sanford on Sunday. They said they were planning to take Zimmerman to federal authorities, since local police haven't arrested him.
And they said they are expecting to be able to speak at Monday's rally in Sanford.
The city of Sanford is expected to hold a press conference at 12:00 p.m. at the Sanford Museum. City Manager Norton Bonaparte will be updating the media on the latest news.
Road closures expected for Monday's rally:
In anticipation of the large amount of visitors attending the rally at Fort Mellon Park, the following streets will be closed starting at 3:00 p.m.
· First St. from Sanford Ave. to Mellonville Ave.
· Mellonville Ave. from First St. to Seminole Blvd.
· Seminole Blvd. from Mellonville Ave. to Sanford Ave.
· Sanford Ave. from Seminole Blvd. to First St.
