Last month we blogged about Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn’s desire to ban weapons in a 4 mile radius of downtown Tampa during the Republican National Convention in August. His only hope for making this happen was in asking Governor Rick Scott to bypass state law (within his power under certain emergency circumstances). But Gov. Scott announced this week that he will not be supporting the ban. [Read more…]
Tampa Looks to Temporarily Ban Weapons During RNC
Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn is seeking the assistance of Governor Rick Scott in an effort to keep firearms as far away from the Republican National Convention as possible. State law prevents the city from passing any ordinance, whether temporary or permanent, that would prohibit firearms carried with a concealed weapons permit. Buckhorn hopes Scott can use his authority to create a temporary solution. [Read more…]
More Floridians Carrying Concealed Weapons
The case of teenage shooting victim Trayvon Martin, killed by neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman has shined a light on Florida’s gun laws, among other things. Zimmerman was licensed to carry a concealed firearm and he’s far from alone. As of last month, just under 920,000 Florida residents had concealed weapons permits. [Read more…]
Trayvon Martin Case Puts Spotlight on Stand Your Ground Law
Trayvon Martin was a 17 year old child who was shot in the chest while walking from a convenience store. He was shot by the self-appointed captain of a neighborhood watch who believed Martin “looked suspicious.” Martin had Skittles and an iced tea in his hands. His killer, George Zimmerman, had a gun. [Read more…]
FL Sheriff’s Lobbyist Avoids Criminal Charges By Pleading Ignorance
Last year a top lobbyist for Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings broke the law. Captain Mike Fewless broke a few, actually. But he avoided prosecution by claiming he didn’t know he was breaking the law, a defense that doesn’t work for the common citizen. [Read more…]
House Subcommittee Passes Open Carry Law
Legislators are considering a broadening of the laws regarding just how you carry your firearm. Specifically, some want to make it acceptable for licensed owners to carry a weapon in plain sight. Called an open-carry law, this legislation has passed a House subcommittee but still has some lawmakers to win over before it becomes reality. [Read more…]