Parkland, Florida – Demolition has commenced at the Florida school where a devastating mass shooting took the lives of 17 individuals in 2018. The Broward County School officials have confirmed that demolition crews began working on-site at 8 a.m., with demolition activities slated to occur between 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m.
The demolition of the school building has stirred a range of emotions among the families who lost their loved ones during the tragic event six years ago. Tony Montalto, whose daughter was among the 17 victims, expressed conflicting sentiments within his own household regarding the demolition, stating concerns about the community forgetting once the building is no longer standing.
The building in question, known as the 1200 building, had been preserved for evidentiary purposes related to the trial proceedings following the tragedy. Montalto, alongside other family members of victims, walked through the halls of the building with members of Congress and federal authorities to gain insight into what led to the tragic event.
Montalto, acting as the president of the national organization Stand with Parkland, continues his advocacy for safer schools even as the demolition progresses. Alongside other parents who lost their children in the shooting, Montalto attended the Florida School Safety Summit in Orlando to contribute to improving safety measures for students and teachers.
The advocacy efforts extend beyond state lines, as Montalto and others plan to visit Washington D.C. next month to reintroduce the Eagles Act, a bipartisan legislation aiming to enhance the U.S. Secret Service’s National Threat Assessment Center. The goal is to equip law enforcement, mental health professionals, and school staff with the necessary tools to identify and address concerning behaviors before they escalate to violence.
Additionally, Montalto leads the non-profit organization Parkland 17, currently involved in establishing a public memorial on the border of Coral Springs and Parkland to unite the communities affected by the tragedy. The hope is that the memorial will serve as a meaningful tribute to the victims and foster remembrance and healing within the community.
Although the Broward School Board has not yet revealed definitive plans for the site post-demolition, discussions have included the possibility of creating a memorial in honor of the victims. The demolition process is expected to span several weeks and will not involve implosion, ensuring a meticulous deconstruction of the building.