Residents in Southeast Seminole Heights have launched an initiative to help law enforcement and bring some holiday cheer to the neighborhood using Christmas lights.

  • "Light the Heights" meant to help in search for gunman
  • Hope is also to increase festive atmosphere in neighborhood
  • More information: visit event on Facebook: Light the Heights

The “Light The Heights” effort urges all members of the neighborhood to brighten their homes with holiday lights. Organizers hope the lights will bring a festive atmosphere to the area while helping police in their search for the gunman.

“For months we’ve been hearing 'turn your porch lights on,' and now it’s an opportunity to turn all the lights on in the neighborhood,” said resident Courtney Bumgarner, who helped to organize the initiative.

Since the shootings, police have beefed up their presence in Southeast Seminole Heights. Tuesday marked one week since the last homicide, which took the life of resident Ronnie Felton. His funeral is this weekend.

Bumgarner hopes the holiday lights will become an attraction that brings people to the community who don't live in Seminole Heights. That way, they can help support the area's local businesses.

Organizers are also encouraging people to donate Christmas lights for those who can't afford it. They've also issued a call for volunteers to help decorate and add the festive, colorful lights to the neighborhood.

"We want to shed positive light on our neighborhood and show in the face of adversity we can come together and celebrate the holidays and and honor the victims," Bumgarner said.

For more information, visit the event's page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LightTheHeights.