Source: St. Petersburg Times

On September 18, 2001, The St. Petersburg Times reported on the local Muslim community's proactive approach after the terror attacks. "Local Muslim leaders were quick to react against a backlash by expressing public support of the victims and condemnation of the terrorism. They took out full-page newspaper ads, 'A Message from Your Muslim Neighbors,' wrote editorials and showed up in full force to give blood. Sunday night, Muslim leaders invited local Christian churches to a prayer session at the Islamic school in Temple Terrace. Nearly 400 people attended, representing 23 denominations."