TAMPA, Fla. — The Parkland families who requested the reenactment at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School say they knew it was going to be a very tough thing to witness.

But Clara Reynolds, who heads up The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, says the timing of the Parkland shooting reenactment could be problematic for many Floridians who have children heading back to school next week.

What You Need To Know

  •  Officials with the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay say they have seen a 215% increase in calls

  •  Some experts say a reenactment of the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School could be problematic for some

  •  Center representatives say they have receiveed more than 9,000 calls so far this year

“So now we’re reenacting this essentially a week before most public schools in the state start," she said, “The time is just, it’s challenging.”

Reynolds says it's difficult for the Parkland families to have to relive that trauma, but noted that it can be difficult for many Floridians who also remember that day clearly, especially if they have school-age kids.

“It doesn’t matter whether that trauma happened two days ago, two years ago, two decades ago," Reynolds said. “When something like a Parkland reenactment happens, it will trigger those memories in your brain.” 

Reynolds said last year the crisis center got more than 3,000 calls from people in crisis — so far this year, she says they've gotten more than 9,000 calls. 

Reynolds says those numbers  — representing a 200% increase — are startling, but are also encouraging, because it means more people are seeking help.

“The most important thing that you can do is recognize it,” she said. “Sit with those feelings for a little bit, recognize that and tell yourself, 'I’m safe. This is not happening right now. I’m OK,' and then find somebody you can take to about how you’re feeling.”