Bay Area students join March for Our Lives movement

TAMPA (FOX 13) - The student movement against gun violence continues to gain strength leading up to a march on Washington this Saturday.  Hundreds of groups across the country are organizing rallies of their own, including in the Bay Area.

Students and supporters gathered at Plant High School Wednesday to announce plans for this weekend’s March for Our Lives. 

The purpose: Demand safe schools and stricter gun laws. They want to keep the conversation going. They don't want elected officials to think they're off the hook.

It’s also a show of solidarity for students at Marjory Stoneman High School in Parkland, after a gunman killed 17 and wounded many others on their campus.

Students in Tampa applauded Governor Rick Scott's recent efforts for gun reform and increased school safety – including raising the legal age to buy a gun to 21 in the state of Florida.

But they say they don't agree with everything the governor is pushing for, like arming school personnel.

"The idea of armed teachers makes us students feel more insecure and less safe," student Madison Ramberac explained Wednesday.

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Isabella Cruz ‘O Grady, of Steinbrenner High School, said they don’t want to have to fight for their safety.

"We shouldn't have to fight with, or scream at, our elected officials for them to support our lives over guns," she said.

Tampa’s March for Our Lives rally is scheduled for Saturday in Kiley Garden at Curtis Hixon Park at 10 a.m.

March for our Lives rallies are planned in cities across the country. For a complete list, visit www.MarchforOurLives.com/events.