The public outcry after the Casey Anthony verdict was heard across the country, but acutely so in the mother’s and daughter’s home state of Florida.

Calls and letters flooded the office of state Sen. Greg Evers and many other Florida legislators. People were angry that nearly 3-year-old Caylee Anthony was missing for more than a month before authorities were notified, and were anxious to prevent another child from suffering the same fate, said Evers, R-Baker.

“We can’t do anything about things in the past. We’re just going to try to make sure it doesn’t happen again,” he said.

Senate President Mike Haridopolis this month formed the bipartisan Senate Select Committee on Protecting Florida’s Children. He tasked five legislators, including Evers, with “examining the various policy options that are available to further advance the protection of Florida’s children,” according to a news release from Haridopolis’ office.

Sen. Joe Negron, R-Stuart, will chair the committee and Sen. Arthenia Joyner, D-Tampa, will serve as vice chairwoman. Sen. Anitere Flores, R-Miami, and Sen. Chris Smith, D-Fort Lauderdale, also will serve on the panel.

Evers, chairman of the Senate’s criminal and civil justice committee, said he has not received a committee schedule, but is looking forward to digging into the research required of the committee.

“Although the judicial system regularly fulfills its duties, I believe we should sit down and work through any inconsistencies that may be weakening our laws to ensure we are protecting our most vulnerable citizens to the best of our abilities,” he said in a news release.

The committee will evaluate whether any “tweaks” to Florida statutes are needed, Evers said. It will report its findings to the full Senate.