Participants gathered Saturday morning in Jacksonville Beach to honor the life of Cpl. Andy Lavender with a 5K charity race to raise awareness about suicide prevention among law enforcement and first responders.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla – The superintendent of Duval County Public Schools, Dr. Diana Greene, is seeking to clarify the district’s policy on the display of flags and banners at school-sponsored events, citing only certain entities' flags as acceptable. The post goes on to list the official flags of the United States, U.S. military branches and the state of Florida as automatically acceptable for a school to display. The post says a school’s principal would need to approve any school spirit flags, signs or banners. Before issuing the guidance, DCPS leaders consulted with the district’s policy and compliance office and with the office of general counsel, according to spokesman Tracy Pierce. “For example, it may be appropriate for a teacher to display student banners and flags as a part of a school’s cultural or arts event.”More information about district policy can be found on the DCPS website.

NEPTUNE BEACH, Fla. – Just before the Fletcher High School football team was set to kickoff Friday, dozens of people lined up along Seagate Avenue, many waving Thin Blue Line flags. The players came up with a decal that was approved by the Duval County School District, which they can wear on their helmets to honor Lavender. In addition to the flags people were waving Friday evening, some held signs and others wore T-shirts that read: “I know Andy,” referring to Lavender. Sarah Taylor, event coordinator for Blue Lives Matter, said flying the blue flag at football games is a good way for a son to honor his father. "He’s been carrying the flag for over a year.”The badge that some players are wearing on their helmet contains Lavender’s initials and his badge number.

NEPTUNE BEACH, Fla. – A Thin Blue Line flag is causing controversy at a Neptune Beach school, prompting leaders to ban it from the football field. Online posters accused the team of being racist for waving the flag while running onto the field before games. She said her son, a junior offensive lineman, started running with the flag in honor of his late father, Cpl. Fletcher High School Principal Dean Ledford issued the following statement:"It will always be my goal to ensure all students at Fletcher High School have the best possible educational experience to gain every opportunity for success beyond our school. “As the principal of Fletcher, I greatly appreciate our School Police, Jacksonville Beach Police, Atlantic Beach Police, Neptune Beach Police and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office for their work in protecting our school and our community.