The City of Sanford has temporarily closed the Sanford Police Department to the public today as student protesters occupy the front of the building.
The group, called the Dream Defenders, marched 40 miles from Daytona Beach over the weekend to protest how the Trayvon Martin case was handled by Sanford police. They are also calling for the arrest of George Zimmerman, as well the firing of former Police Chief Bill Lee Jr.
Several of the protesters have sat out front of the building, blocking the front door.
City Manager Norton Bonaparte Jr. said, “The city of Sanford hopes the actions of the students will be as peaceful and orderly as the previous rallies and marches have been. We want to be accommodating to all our visitors proving they act in a manner that is respectful to the people of the city."
City officials are now asking citizens who need to do business with the police department to come to city hall at 300 N. Park Ave. where a police representative will be available on the second floor.
Earlier today Special Prosecutor Angela Corey, who is now handling the case, announced they will not convene the grand jury to hear evidence in the case. A grand jury was previously scheduled to convene tomorrow.
Zimmerman shot and killed 17-year-old Martin on Feb. 26 and claimed it happened in self-defense. He has not been arrested, and Corey has not indicated whether or not he will be charged with a crime.
The decision not to use the grand jury, the State Attorney’s Office said, “should not be considered a factor in the final determination of the case.”
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