A.G. Gancarski
The Lonzie Barton case gripped Jacksonville and the nation last year.
On Tuesday, the Jacksonville City Council honored first responders, military members, members of the state attorney’s office, and others who were involved in the exhaustive search last year for the toddler’s remains.
On an evening that began with a 49-second silent observance of those who perished at Pulse on Sunday, with a resolution to honor those who died, it was perhaps fitting for the council to honor those who gave their all to find resolution to an unspeakable tragedy last year, which rocked Jacksonville and beyond.
Thousands of manpower hours were spent searching for the missing toddler. Countless volunteer meals. And a community that came together, galvanized by a realization that Lonzie, who never had a chance with his mom and his circumstances, was a kid … just like their own … just like they were once themselves.
Council members spoke, honoring Sheriff Mike Williams, JFRD Chief Kurtis Wilson, State Attorney Angela Corey, and the hundreds of men and women who searched.
Williams lauded the “collaborative effort” between locals and people who came from around the state to help.
“One of the biggest points of the event,” said Williams, “was that the community turned out the way they did.”
State Attorney Angela Corey noted that “these cases are extremely difficult for us.”
“That precious child,” said Corey, “will be a symbol for other children.”
Councilman Matt Schellenberg lauded the “coordination and the professionalism” of the search effort, and the community effort. “It was an amazing, tragic event that brought all of us together trying to find that child,” he said.
Councilman Jim Love voiced being “extremely impressed with the organizational structure.”
“I know that we are in good hands no matter what happens in Jacksonville,” Love said.
Council Vice President Lori Boyer noted the “extremely difficult” conditions the searchers worked in, such as heat, mugginess, and bugs, but pushed through undaunted.
The resolution was introduced by Councilman Scott Wilson.
