ORANGE PARK, Fla. — Sunday marked the five-year anniversary of Somer Thompson's disappearance. She was abducted and killed in 2009 by Jarred Harrell. The convicted sex offender now sits behind bars.
The community along with Somer's mother, gathered for a memorial at Somer Sunshine Park to remember and celebrate her life.
"She loved to sing and dance but had no rhythm but she was so special," said Somer's mother Diena Thompson.
Some people held candles, while others sang in a circle. Thompson says its this support from the community that has helped her through the tough times.
"Looking at my Facebook page today and seeing what people still have to say after five years is what keeps me going," said Thompson.
She said in the past five years, despite her tragedy, she's seen a push to have sex offender laws re-examined. She even made her way to Tallahassee earlier this year to talk to lawmakers.
"We know in the Cherish Perrywinkle case, Donald Smith shouldn't have been out of jail and are looking at this and seeing there is a problem and we need to take care of these issues," said Thompson.
Thompson said she will continue to push for change and until then, be an outlet for other suffering families.
She said Somer has been gone for five years, but has touched the community in many ways, and will always be remembered.
Several new laws aimed at protecting Floridians went into effect Oct. 1. One law boosts mandatory minimum sentences for sexual felony offenders from 25 years to 50 years. Another removes the stature of limitations for human trafficking violations. And another increases the penalties for teachers or other school authority figures who take sexual advantage of students.
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