Sign of Perry Street near Florida A&M University’s campus, behind Bragg Memorial Stadium on Friday, Oct. 30, 2026. (Khalil-Lullah Ballentine/FAMUAN)
The Florida A&M Rattlers have two more home games this season, and gameday safety is currently at the top of mind for many on Tallahassee’s Southside.
Twelve people were injured after FAMU’s homecoming football game on Saturday, Oct. 24, when a young gunman opened fire on Perry street, a residential street just beyond the walls of Bragg Memorial Stadium.
This weekend, FAMU faces Southern University on Saturday, Oct. 31, at 3 p.m. in Bragg Stadium.
To prepare, the FAMU Police Department reached out to the Florida State Police, Leon County Sheriff’s office and the Tallahassee Police Department to help out with their efforts this weekend.
“We work together, we always have,” said FAMU Police Department Deputy Chief William Evers.
Evers stated they hope to have an additional 7-10 officers present, more light towers and two drones flying overhead on game day.
“We’ll get a chance to try some new techniques and try some new things to make everyone feel safe,” Evers added.
The university also announced that they will suspend tailgating activity two hours after the game ends at approximately 8 p.m.
He mentioned their goal is to ensure that everyone feels safe to enjoy the game before, during and after.
FAMU President Marva Johnson issued a statement on Wednesday, Oct. 28, issuing a similar sentiment.
In her statement she thanked both the Tallahassee Police Department and FAMU Police Department for their work together as well as stating that there will be an increase in law enforcement presence on campus.
“Thanks to the support of Governor Ron DeSantis, we will have an increased law enforcement presence on campus to provide additional security and peace of mind for our students, faculty, and staff,” her statement read.
Johnson’s statement alludes that this presence is a direct result of the university’s 4.1-million-dollar investment into campus safety through funding from the Governor’s office and state legislature.
As for this weekend, Johnson’s statement encourages the FAMU community to come back to Bragg for the school’s game against Southern University on Saturday, Oct. 31.
“Let’s fill the stands and show the strength of Rattler Nation,” her statement read.
Some students are still wary about coming though.
Zula Oliveira, 25, shared that this wasn’t the first time she felt unsafe after a game.
“I probably won’t be going to Perry Street for a while,” she said. “I’m just tired of this happening.”
Oliveira shared that she’d been in public spaces before where people she knew had been shot, and that for a while staying away from that street feels safest for her.
“I feel like FAMU and the City of Tallahassee need to do a better job at securing the premises for students and alumni because that’s what it’s for,” she said.
One of her suggestions was closing off the road, something she’s seen at other HBCU homecomings like at Clark Atlanta and Morehouse.
“I was able to be carefree, celebrate and have a good time,” she added.
Because the university doesn’t have jurisdiction over opening or closing Perry Street that may be a tall order, but not out of the realm of possibility.
In Gainesville, some residential roads were closed off for the University of Florida’s homecoming parade. This was through the joint work of UF, the city of Gainesville and Gainesville police.
Ahead to Saturday’s game, “Bob” owner of Conch Creations food truck says that being a Tallahassee native is what brings him back.
“I support the community, and people love what I sell because I care about what I sell,” he explained. “I love coming home to vend and serve my people.”
He’s had his spot on Perry Street for almost five years and says it’s part of the culture of a booming football town.
“I love these people,” he shared.