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Keep Calm and Carry

April 30th, 2014 by flanews

Lawmakers want to make sure gun owners can take their weapons with them during an emergency regardless of whether they have a concealed carry license. Florida sheriffs say it’s a bad idea.

At a time when some Floridians on the panhandle were evacuating due to severe weather, the Senate debated on whether or not people forced to evacuate should be allowed to carry a concealed weapon without a permit.

“If they carry them in a backpack, they can be charged as felons while complying with a mandatory evacuation order, I don’t think that’s right,” said Sen. Jeff Brandes (R-St. Persburg).

If this storm was bad enough to force evacuations, the bill would allow an unlicensed citizen to carry a weapon on them concealed, and not have to store it and put it in the car. Sheriffs say that’s the problem.

The Florida Sheriff’s association says the bill is too open ended.  They’re worried about people walking around with guns claiming they’re still evacuating.

“A State of Emergency was declared in WaltonCounty due to flooding. What we don’t want to see is someone show up in Miami carrying a concealed weapon that they aren’t licensed to carry into a club,” said Walton County Sheriff Mike Adkinson.

The bill’s sponsor says the scenario won’t happen.

“Once they reach their final destination they are no longer in compliance,” said Sen. Brandes.

Senator Chris Smith (D-Fort Lauderdale) also has concerns. He’s worried about itchy trigger fingers.

“You’ve got an evacuation, you’re talking about people who’s emotions are high, people who are kind of edgy, and you have those not trained to carry a concealed weapon,” said Sen. Smith.

The NRA supports the bill. The sheriffs say this isn’t a 2nd amendment issue, it’s a public safety issue. The Senate will have two days to vote on the issue before session is scheduled to end on Friday night.

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