Raiford, Fla. – Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed his first death warrant scheduling Robert Joseph Long to be executed May 23, at 6 p.m., at Florida State Prison, 23916 NW 83rd Avenue, Raiford.

Long was sentenced to death for the 1984 murder of Michelle Sims, in addition to receiving life sentences for seven other murders he pleaded guilty to. Among other legal arguments, his attorneys have requested a new sentencing trial due to numerous traumatic brain injuries.

Prayer vigils will be held across the Diocese of St. Augustine for Robert Long and his family, his victims and their family, for our society, which continues to impose violence in return for violence, and for an end to the use of the death penalty at the following locations and times:

Alachua and Bradford counties

Across the highway from the Florida State Prison Execution Building, Starke, Thursday, May 23, at 5 p.m. Contact: Miriam Elliott at (352) 278-4342. Catholic Gators and GCADP carpool, Emmanuel Mennonite Church, 1236 NW 18th Ave, Gainesville, Thursday, May 23, at 4:30 p.m. Participants will attend the prayer service at Florida State Prison near Starke. Contact: Miriam Elliott at (352) 278-4342

Duval County

In front of the new Duval County Unified Courthouse, 501 W. Adams Street, Jacksonville, Thursday, May 23, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Contact: Jackie Gunning at (904) 449-3328 or by email at jmgunning@bellsouth.net or Sister Maureen Kelley, OP at (904) 704 0313,  email mkelleyop@att.net.

Flagler County

In front of the Flagler County Courthouse, 1769 E. Moody Blvd, Bunnell, Thursday, May 23, from 5 to 6 p.m. Contact: John Bangert at (301)318-6832 or by email astrodude9000@gmail.com.

St. Johns County

In front of the St. Augustine Beach City Hall, corner of A1A and 16th Street, St. Augustine Beach, Thursday, May 23, from 5:15 to 6:15 p.m. Contact: Nancy O’Byrne at (904) 422-3618 or by email obyrnen@bellsouth.net.  

Contact: Kathleen Bagg
(904) 262-3200, ext. 110/office
(904) 434-3909/cell