Cara Loughran, 14, was one of 17 people who died after the attack on Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland.
The young teenager's father is originally from Toombridge in Co. Antrim, where her grandparents still live.
A friend to the Loughrans in Antrim, the local parish priest Fr Paddy McWilliams told The Irish News that Cara and her family were regular visitors to Ireland.
The priest also mentioned that the elderly couple understood to be in their 70s, are "distraught" at the loss of their granddaughter.
Father McWilliams said the Loughrans were devastated at not seeing their granddaughter again: "They are just broken-hearted...
"The wee family was coming home for the summer, as they do regularly, but that’s not going to happen now."
In a statement, the Drake School of Irish Dance in South Florida paid tribute to Cara, describing her as a 'beautiful soul'.
"Our hearts are so heavy, as we have lost one of our dancers, Cara Loughran, in the tragic Stoneman Douglas school shooting," the statement said.
"Cara was a beautiful soul and always had a smile on her face. We are heartbroken as we send our love and support to her family during this horrible time...
"Please keep the Loughran family and the rest of our dance family in your thoughts and prayers."
