TAMPA, Fla. - After peaceful protests and violent unrest started dominating headlines and social media a couple of weeks ago, Kristen Krutz started thinking about a way to show support for police.

The Trinity real estate agent considered mailing blue roses to local law enforcement agencies or dropping off coffee at police stations. She asked some of the law enforcement officers she knows in other states how she could help.

"I was told the same thing by multiple people, and I keep hearing this one sergeant’s words in my head,” said Krutz, 36. "‘These guys just need to hear that America still supports them.’ "

So Krutz came up with the idea for this Saturday’s “Back the Blue” rally in Tampa.

The event is underway at the Tampa Police Department’s District 1 headquarters, 3818 W Tampa Bay Blvd.

You can read more about the event from our news gathering partner the Tampa Bay Times.