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Vigil Held On South Beach To Remember Orlando Shooting Victims

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) – The symbolism was lost on no one on South Beach.

Each Chinese fire lantern symbolized one of the 49 victims of the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando.

"Yes the victims from Orlando, all our friends, family, loved ones," said Dominique.

The palace hotel was jumping tonight, but with a purpose. The Orlando tragedy was not going to beat the united LGBT community.

"If anything, it is going to bring more attention to the LGBT community and expose us to let everyone know that we are just Americans like everyone else," Joanna James said.

There was a sense of hope as the fire lanterns drifted across the skyline of Miami Beach.

"It is like a wish...that something will be better," said Juergen. "It is a wish."

And then there is the hard reality.

As a gay pride parade in Broward County approaches, Sheriff Scott Israel is preparing.

"We are gonna have confidential briefing and intelligence gathering so we can best prepare for this very important event," he said.

Security also ramped up in Miami Beach.

The police chief is ready.

"The best way to deal with them is to have an active and a vibrant intelligence process where you identify and intercept them before they act," Chief Dan Oates said.

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