The Parkland City Commission meeting held on June 18, 2025, commenced with a significant proclamation recognizing June as National Gun Violence Awareness Month. Mayor Rich Walker welcomed attendees and introduced the proclamation, highlighting alarming statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The mayor noted that an average of 132 Americans are killed daily due to firearm-related incidents, with firearms being the leading cause of death among children and teens in the U.S.

The proclamation emphasized the urgent need for secure firearm storage, which can reduce the risk of unintentional firearm injuries among children by up to 85%. It also acknowledged the efforts of Moms Demand Action, a grassroots organization focused on gun violence prevention, which has been active in Parkland since the tragic shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.

Beth Weegard, a volunteer with the Broward Group for Moms Demand Action, expressed gratitude for the proclamation and underscored the ongoing gun violence crisis in America. She shared that over 40,000 individuals have died from gun violence since the previous year’s proclamation, a number surpassing Parkland's entire population. Weegard urged the community to take action by promoting safe firearm storage practices and raising awareness about the importance of Florida's red flag law, which allows for the temporary removal of firearms from individuals deemed a danger to themselves or others.

Following the discussion on gun violence, the meeting transitioned to a proclamation recognizing Juneteenth. The commission acknowledged the historical significance of this day, which commemorates the emancipation of enslaved individuals in the United States. The proclamation highlighted the importance of equity, equality, and community, encouraging residents to learn more about the contributions of African Americans.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from the city to continue addressing these critical issues, reinforcing the importance of community safety and historical awareness. The commission's actions reflect a proactive approach to fostering a safer and more informed community in Parkland.