Pinellas’ annual NOPE vigil will be Thursday in Largo

Vigil for battling addiction: The fifth annual Narcotics Overdose Prevention and Education vigil is scheduled for Thursday night in Largo Central Park.

The countywide vigil, held to remember those who died because of substance abuse and others who are currently battling addiction, will begin 7 p.m. at the park, on the southeast corner of E Bay Drive and Seminole Boulevard.

Speakers will include Sheriff Bob Gualtieri and schools Superintendent Michael Grego. The event is free.”Whether we know it or not, the majority of us in some way or another have been impacted by the drug and alcohol epidemic in the community,” said Laurie Serra, Pinellas coordinator for NOPE.