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For Those In Florida

March 21, 2018

by John Richardson

Last year, Florida Carry got some grief from Marion Hammer and the NRA due to their stance on some bills in the Florida legislature. Notwithstanding that – and showing that they are united in their support of gun rights – they have passed on the following alert from the NRA and Marion Hammer. I think it shows class on their part.

The alert concerns a move by the anti-gun forces to diminish gun rights in Florida through putting constitutional amendments on the ballot. One need only looks at the moves by Bloomberg and Everytown to force so-called universal background checks through referenda. They succeeded in Washington and Nevada but failed in Maine.

From Florida Carry:

ALERT: Anti-gun CRC Members Want Gun Bans in the Florida Constitution

DATE: March 19, 2018
TO:      USF & NRA Member and Friends
FROM: Marion P. Hammer
            USF Executive Director
            NRA Past President

ACTION NEEDED NOW

Some
of the members of the Florida Constitution Revision Commission (CRC)
are very anti-gun and they are proposing and pushing gun ban and gun
control amendments to put in the Florida Constitution.

Commissioners will be voting on these amendment soon. Links to these amendments are listed at the bottom.

Among these amendments are:

*An
“assault weapons” ban which bans the distribution, sale, transfer, and
possession of so-called assault weapons and any detachable magazine that
has a capacity of more than 9 rounds. (Makes possession illegal with
no compensation provided for those already possessed that must be
surrendered)

*A
ban on any semi-automatic rifle that is able to accept a detachable
magazine or has a fixed magazine capable of holding more than10 rounds.
(that means almost all semi-automatic rifles)

*A
ban on the sale and transfer of “assault weapons” and defines
“transfer” as the conveyance “from a person or entity to another person
or entity WITHOUT any conveyance of money or other valuable
consideration.” (Note: to “convey” between persons without compensation
could mean the simple act of handing the firearm to another person
while hunting, on the range, or anywhere)

*A 10 day waiting period (excluding weekends and legal holidays) on all firearms to facilitate a background check.

*A ban on the purchase of any firearm by a person under 21 years of age.

*A ban on the sale, transfer and possession of bump stocks and other devises, tools, kits, etc.

Please email CRC Commissioners and tell them to OPPOSE gun control amendments!

PLEASE DO IT NOW !!! They could be voting on these amendments at anytime

IN THE SUBJECT LINE PUT:

VOTE AGAINST GUN CONTROL AMENDMENTS

(To send your message to all just Block and Copy All email addresses into the “Send To” box)

(Depending on you email program you may need to add commas or semicolons between each email)

jose.armas@flcrc.gov
pam.bondi@flcrc.gov
lisa.carlton@flcrc.gov
timothy.cerio@flcrc.gov
hank.coxe@flcrc.gov
jose.diaz@flcrc.gov
erika.donalds@flcrc.gov
don.gaetz@flcrc.gov
emery.gainey@flcrc.gov
anna.gamez@flcrc.gov
brecht.heuchan@flcrc.gov
marva.johnson@flcrc.gov
darlene.jordan@flcrc.gov
arthenia.joyner@flcrc.gov
fred.karlinsky@flcrc.gov
belinda.keiser@flcrc.gov
frank.kruppenbacher@flcrc.gov
tom.lee@flcrc.gov
gary.lester@flcrc.gov
patricia.levesque@flcrc.gov
roberto.martinez@flcrc.gov
rich.newsome@flcrc.gov
chris.nocco@flcrc.gov
jeanette.nunez@flcrc.gov
jimmy.patronis@flcrc.gov
sherry.plymale@flcrc.gov
darryl.rouson@flcrc.gov
william.schifino@flcrc.gov
chris.smith@flcrc.gov
bob.solari@flcrc.gov
chris.sprowls@flcrc.gov
john.stemberger@flcrc.gov
pam.stewart@flcrc.gov
jacqui.lippisch@flcrc.gov
carolyn.timmann@flcrc.gov
nicole.washington@flcrc.gov

PROPOSED AMENDMENTS:

https://www.flcrc.gov/Proposals/Commissioner/2017/0003/Amendment/682026/PDF

https://www.flcrc.gov/Proposals/Commissioner/2017/0003/Amendment/545572/PDF

https://www.flcrc.gov/Proposals/Commissioner/2017/0003/Amendment/290732/HTML

https://www.flcrc.gov/Proposals/Commissioner/2017/0003/Amendment/783324/PDF

https://www.flcrc.gov/Proposals/Commissioner/2017/0003/Amendment/117574/PDF

https://www.flcrc.gov/Proposals/Commissioner/2017/0003/Amendment/615688/PDF

Uncategorized

Scott Signs Gun Control Bill Today; NRA Sues Today

March 10, 2018

by John Richardson 1 Comment

Gov. Rick Scott (R-FL) signed SB 7026, the Majory Stoneman Douglas Public Safety Act, into law today. The bill would allow some teachers to carry firearms on campus, it allocated significant funding (approximately $500 million) to school safety, it imposed a 3-day waiting period on all firearm sales, and raised the age from 18 to 21 for all firearm purchases including shotguns and rifles. It also included some items related to mental health issues.

The bill was opposed by most Democrats in the legislature because they were against letting teachers have the opportunity to defend students with more than harsh words. They were also upset that it didn’t include universal background checks and a state assault weapons ban (sic).

After the signing, the Florida Democratic Party reiterated its opposition to the bill, which was touted as bipartisan since it passed both chambers with GOP and Democratic votes. FDP chair Terrie Rizzo said the governor and Legislature didn’t go nearly far enough.

The ban on the sale of firearms to those between the ages of 18 and 21 did not apply to law enforcement, correctional officers, or those serving in the military. The law would make it a felony for a licensed individual to sell the firearm and for a person to buy the firearm. Moreover, it also prohibited the private sale of handguns to those under the age of 21.

Within an hour of Gov. Scott signing SB 7026, the National Rifle Association filed suit in US District Court for the Northern District of Florida on behalf of their members in Florida. The suit was filed against Attorney General Pam Bondi and Commissioner of the Department of Law Enforcement Rick Swearingen in their official capacities. The suit seeks declaratory and injunctive relief against the bill on the basis that it unconstitutionally discriminates against 18 to 20 years by denying them both their Second Amendment rights and their 14th Amendment Due Process rights. It also seek an order enjoining the enforcement of FLA. STAT. § 790.065(13) by the defendants, their employees, and agents and from enforcing the ban on the sales of firearms to those aged 18 to 20.

16. Independent provisions of federal law also already significantly
constrain the right of adult citizens under the age of 21 to purchase firearms. Under
18 U.S.C. § 922(b)(1), a federally licensed firearm dealer may not sell to any
individual under the age of 21 any handgun—the “quintessential self-defense
weapon” which is “the most popular weapon chosen by Americans for self-defense
in the home.” Heller, 554 U.S. at 629. Florida’s new ban broadens these
preexisting limits, by (1) extending the ban to rifles and shotguns, in addition to
handguns, and (2) prohibiting these law-abiding, adult citizens from purchasing
these firearms from any source, not just federally licensed dealers (i.e., those who

are “engaged in the business of selling firearms at wholesale or retail.” 18 U.S.C. §
921(a)(11)).

17. The effect of Florida’s age-based ban is to impose a significant,
unequal, and impermissible burden on the right to keep and bear arms of a class of
millions of law-abiding 18-to-20 year-old adult citizens.

The suit seeks both a facial and as-applied declaration that the new law is unconstitutional. With regard to the as-applied challenge, the complaint says:

32. This ban particularly infringes upon, and imposes an impermissible
burden upon, the Second Amendment rights of those NRA Members described
above who are female. Females between the ages of 18 and 21 pose a relatively
slight risk of perpetrating a school shooting such as the one that occurred at
Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, or, for that matter, a violent crime of any
kind. For example, in 2015, women in this age group accounted for only 1.8% of
arrests for violent crime, while males in the same age bracket accounted for 8.7%
of such arrests—and males between the ages of 21 and 24, who may lawfully
purchase firearms under current law, accounted for 9.2%. See Federal Bureau of
Investigation, Crime in the United States: 2015 tbls. 39 and 40, available at
https://goo.gl/8pVWnb; see also BUREAU OF JUSTICE STATISTICS, WOMEN
OFFENDERS at 2, 13 (2009) (female offenders responsible for only 14% of violent
crimes, and only 10% of female offenders aged 18-20), available at
https://goo.gl/3qAJXu. Regardless of its facial validity, Florida’s ban is therefore
unconstitutional, void, and invalid as applied to women between the ages of 18 and
21.

The full complaint can be found here.

Uncategorized

From Florida Carry – Oppose SB 7026

March 5, 2018

by John Richardson

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SB 7026, the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act, is up for a third reading by the Florida State Senate. The bill had 151 proposed amendments most of which were either withdrawn or defeated. However, those that were adopted took a bill that was meant to protect students into one with enough nonsensical gun control crap to make it a bill that needs to be defeated.

Miguel at Gunfreezonee.net gives his take on it here.

This alert from Florida Carry outlines the good and the bad. It also includes a call to action on the part of Florida gun owners.

Florida Senate to under 21 voters – “You’re not adult enough to have a gun”

Florida Carry

ADAMANTLY OPPOSES SB 7026

——-

We strongly urge members and supporters to IMMEDIATELY send an email to ALL SENATORS listed below!

This bill is a classic example of a fundamentally good bill destroyed by countless amendments.

Establishes voluntary armed teacher program

Establishes mental health care program for schools to recognize symptoms

Creates a government commission and a new state-level department to deal with school safety

But it also imposes unconstitutional restrictions on Florida citizens.

Prohibits purchase of ANY firearm by anyone under 21 years of age.

Imposes a 3-day waiting period on the purchase of ANY firearm with some exceptions.

Makes possession
, sale, etc. of bump-stocks illegal – NO LEGAL DISPOSITION OPTION! OWN ONE – INSTANT FELON!

Facilitates confiscation of firearms without due process in Baker Act cases.

Florida Carry vehemently opposes any and all “compromises” which REMOVE rights from law-abiding citizens.

CONTACT ALL FLORIDA SENATORS

NOW!

Copy/paste the email addresses below into your email client.

Please ensure you include the following subject line –

“Oppose SB 7026 – Public Safety”

baxley.dennis@flsenate.gov

bean.aaron@flsenate.gov

benacquisto.lizbeth@flsenate.gov

bradley.rob@flsenate.gov

brandes.jeff@flsenate.gov

broxson.doug@flsenate.gov

flores.anitere@flsenate.gov

gainer.george@flsenate.gov

galvano.bill@flsenate.gov

garcia.rene@flsenate.gov

grimsley.denise@flsenate.gov

hukill.dorothy@flsenate.gov

hutson.travis@flsenate.gov

lee.tom@flsenate.gov

mayfield.debbie@flsenate.gov

negron.joe@flsenate.gov

passidomo.kathleen@flsenate.gov

perry.keith@flsenate.gov

simmons.david@flsenate.gov

stargel.kelli@flsenate.gov

steube.greg@flsenate.gov

young.dana@flsenate.gov

book.lauren@flsenate.gov

bracy.randolp@flsenate.gov

braynon.oscar@flsenate.gov

campbell.daphne@flsenate.gov

clemens.jeff@flsenate.gov

farmer.gary@flsenate.gov

gibson.audrey@flsenate.gov

montford.bill@flsenate.gov

powell.bobby@flsenate.gov

rader.kevin@flsenate.gov

rodriguez.jose@flsenate.gov

rouson.darryl@flsenate.gov

simpson.wilton@flsenate.gov

stewart.linda@flsenate.gov

thurston.perry@flsenate.gov

torres.victor@flsenate.gov

Uncategorized

For Those In Florida

February 26, 2018

by John Richardson 1 Comment

Florida Carry issued a call late last week for legislators to eliminate gun-free zones, to authorize teachers with a CWFL to be allowed to carry in schools, and to immediately provide funding for a FASTER program.

If you live in Florida, it’s time to hit these legislators up.

On Friday, Feb 16th, Florida Carry called for the Florida Legislature to immediately:

Pass emergency legislation to eliminate gun-free zones for law-abiding concealed carry licensees;

Pass
emergency legislation authorizing all teachers in public schools who
possess a CWFL to carry their licensed, concealed firearm if they so
choose, without repercussion; and

Provide
immediate funding of one million dollars in grants for county school
boards and sheriffs to implement pilot programs of the
Faculty/Administrator Safety Training and Emergency Response (FASTER) Program in the State of Florida.

Today, the legislature is under attack.

The candidates who came to us as Florida Gun Owners during the primaries have now become lawmakers.

Those lawmakers are now being pressured in to selling us out.

We have offered effective solutions to the violence of evil people. Far too many legislators are not listening…

We have called for the legislature to fund FASTER,

Investigate the non-response of the Broward County Sheriff’s office to a clear and present danger, to demand that the FBI account for its failure to investigate multiple reported threats, Recognize that “gun free zones” are not free of criminal violence, and Provide for the lawful defence of FL students.

Contact your legislators.

larry.ahern@myfloridahouse.gov

ben.albritton@myfloridahouse.gov

thad.altman@myfloridahouse.gov

brian.avila@myfloridahouse.gov

halsey.beshears@myfloridahouse.gov

michael.bileca@myfloridahouse.gov

jim.boyd@myfloridahouse.gov

jason.brodeur@myfloridahouse.gov

daniel.burgess@myfloridahouse.gov

colleen.burton@myfloridahouse.gov

cord.byrd@myfloridahouse.gov

matt.caldwell@myfloridahouse.gov

charles.clemons@myfloridahouse.gov

richard.corcoran@myfloridahouse.gov

robert.cortes@myfloridahouse.gov

travis.cummings@myfloridahouse.gov

jose.diaz@myfloridahouse.gov

manny.diaz@myfloridahouse.gov

byron.donalds@myfloridahouse.gov

brad.drake@myfloridahouse.gov

jay.fant@myfloridahouse.gov

randy.fine@myfloridahouse.gov

jason.fischer@myfloridahouse.gov

heather.fitzenhagen@myfloridahouse.gov

julio.gonzalez@myfloridahouse.gov

tom.goodson@myfloridahouse.gov

erin.grall@myfloridahouse.gov

james.grant@myfloridahouse.gov

michael.grant@myfloridahouse.gov

joe.gruters@myfloridahouse.gov

bill.hager@myfloridahouse.gov

gayle.harrell@myfloridahouse.gov

shawn.harrison@myfloridahouse.gov

blaise.ingoglia@myfloridahouse.gov

clay.ingram@myfloridahouse.gov

sam.killebrew@myfloridahouse.gov

mike.larosa@myfloridahouse.gov

chris.latvala@myfloridahouse.gov

thomas.leek@myfloridahouse.gov

marylynn.magar@myfloridahouse.gov

amber.mariano@myfloridahouse.gov

ralph.massullo@myfloridahouse.gov

stan.mcclain@myfloridahouse.gov

larry.metz@myfloridahouse.gov

mike.miller@myfloridahouse.gov

george.moraitis@myfloridahouse.gov

jeanette.nunez@myfloridahouse.gov

jose.oliva@myfloridahouse.gov

bobby.payne@myfloridahouse.gov

kathleen.peters@myfloridahouse.gov

cary.pigman@myfloridahouse.gov

scott.plakon@myfloridahouse.gov

rene.plasencia@myfloridahouse.gov

mel.ponder@myfloridahouse.gov

elizabeth.porter@myfloridahouse.gov

jake.raburn@myfloridahouse.gov

holly.raschein@myfloridahouse.gov

paul.renner@myfloridahouse.gov

ray.rodrigues@myfloridahouse.gov

bob.rommel@myfloridahouse.gov

rick.roth@myfloridahouse.gov

david.santiago@myfloridahouse.gov

ross.spano@myfloridahouse.gov

chris.sprowls@myfloridahouse.gov

cyndi.stevenson@myfloridahouse.gov

charlie.stone@myfloridahouse.gov

jennifer.sullivan@myfloridahouse.gov

jackie.toledo@myfloridahouse.gov

carlos.trujillo@myfloridahouse.gov

jay.trumbull@myfloridahouse.gov

frank.white@myfloridahouse.gov

jayer.williamson@myfloridahouse.gov

yarborough.clay@myfloridahouse.gov

joseph.abruzzo@myfloridahouse.gov

ramon.alexander@myfloridahouse.gov

bruce.antone@myfloridahouse.gov

robert.asencio@myfloridahouse.gov

loranne.ausley@myfloridahouse.gov

lori.berman@myfloridahouse.gov

kamia.brown@myfloridahouse.gov

john.cortes@myfloridahouse.gov

janet.cruz@myfloridahouse.gov

kimberly.daniels@myfloridahouse.gov

tracie.davis@myfloridahouse.gov

ben.diamond@myfloridahouse.gov

bobby.dubose@myfloridahouse.gov

nicholas.duran@myfloridahouse.gov

katie.edwards@myfloridahouse.gov

joseph.geller@myfloridahouse.gov

margret.good@myfloridahouse.gov

roy.hardemon@myfloridahouse.gov

patrick.henry@myfloridahouse.gov

kristin.jacobs@myfloridahouse.gov

al.jacquet@myfloridahouse.gov

evan.jenne@myfloridahouse.gov

shevrin.jones@myfloridahouse.gov

larry.lee@myfloridahouse.gov

kionne.mcghee@myfloridahouse.gov

amy.mercado@myfloridahouse.gov

jared.moskowitz@myfloridahouse.gov

wengay.newton@myfloridahouse.gov

sharon.pritchett@myfloridahouse.gov

david.richardson@myfloridahouse.gov

barrington.russell@myfloridahouse.gov

sean.shaw@myfloridahouse.gov

david.silvers@myfloridahouse.gov

emily.slosberg@myfloridahouse.gov

carlos.smith@myfloridahouse.gov

cynthia.stafford@myfloridahouse.gov

richard.stark@myfloridahouse.gov

barbara.watson@myfloridahouse.gov

clovis.watson@myfloridahouse.gov

matt.willhite@myfloridahouse.gov

patricia.williams@myfloridahouse.gov

baxley.dennis@flsenate.gov

bean.aaron@flsenate.gov

benacquisto.lizbeth@flsenate.gov

bradley.rob@flsenate.gov

brandes.jeff@flsenate.gov

broxson.doug@flsenate.gov

flores.anitere@flsenate.gov

gainer.george@flsenate.gov

galvano.bill@flsenate.gov

garcia.rene@flsenate.gov

grimsley.denise@flsenate.gov

hukill.dorothy@flsenate.gov

hutson.travis@flsenate.gov

lee.tom@flsenate.gov

mayfield.debbie@flsenate.gov

negron.joe@flsenate.gov

passidomo.kathleen@flsenate.gov

perry.keith@flsenate.gov

simmons.david@flsenate.gov

stargel.kelli@flsenate.gov

steube.greg@flsenate.gov

young.dana@flsenate.gov

book.lauren@flsenate.gov

bracy.randolp@flsenate.gov

braynon.oscar@flsenate.gov

campbell.daphne@flsenate.gov

clemens.jeff@flsenate.gov

farmer.gary@flsenate.gov

gibson.audrey@flsenate.gov

montford.bill@flsenate.gov

powell.bobby@flsenate.gov

rader.kevin@flsenate.gov

rodriguez.jose@flsenate.gov

rouson.darryl@flsenate.gov

simpson.wilton@flsenate.gov

stewart.linda@flsenate.gov

thurston.perry@flsenate.gov

torres.victor@flsenate.gov

Uncategorized

It’s Time Again For Floridians To Call Their Legislators

March 9, 2017

by John Richardson

The Florida Senate is considering SB 128 which would restore the immunity from prosecution in legitimate self-defense shootings. The original 2005 law had that but the Florida Supreme Court then placed the burden of proof on the defendant and not the prosecution. SB 128 would reverse this.

It should be noted that just because a legislator has a “R” after his or her name does not mean her or she is on our side. Lee Williams, The Gun Writer, illustrates this clearly in his posts about the treachery of Senate President Pro Temp Anitere Flores (R-Miami). She was for gun rights before she was against them. She is responsible for killing the bills that would allow campus carry.

More on the issue in this FloridaCarry alert:

SB 128 – Burden of Proof

Full Senate hears bill tomorrow!

Contact Senators Now!!!

Perhaps the single most important bill of the session, SB 128 – Burden of Proof, restores the

full effect of legislative immunity back to the lawful user of self-defense where it belongs!

When the first claims of immunity were made under the 2005 “stand your ground” bill package, the courts had no judicial procedure in place to deal with the legislative immunity created by the bill.

Chapter 776.032 Florida Statutes clearly states –

A person who uses or threatens to use force as permitted in s. 776.012, s. 776.013, or s.776.031 is justified in such conduct and is immune from criminal prosecution…

As used in this subsection, the term “criminal prosecution” includes arresting, detaining in custody, and charging or prosecuting the defendant.

The Florida Supreme Court created a procedure, but ignored legislative intent. Under current case law –

1. The burden of proof that self-defense was necessary is on the defendant, not the State.

2. Any evidence or statements made by the defendant may be used against him in any ensuing action.

This great bill restores full effect to the Legislature’s immunity statute, which the Court has improperly neutered.

Four amendments were filed today to dilute this bill!

Senators Simmons, Thurman, and Rodriguez have together filed four amendments today, all watering down certain provisions of this bill. These amendments must be defeated or the intent of the Legislature will continue to be ignored by the courts.

Florida Carry opposes the floor amendments filed today, and enthusiastically supports SB 128 as tendered.

An

important note on contacting your legislators:

We
cannot stress enough the necessity of telling legislators how you feel
they should vote. During the legislative sessions, we issue Action Alerts asking
our members and supporters to take a few moments to contact
legislators. Email addresses, subject line, and sample body are all
included in these alerts to allow cut and paste into your email client.

Please
take the few seconds it takes to send an email when you receive an
Action Alert from Florida Carry. The failure or success of a bill can
hinge on that simple act.

“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” – Edmund Burke

Please, take a few moments to ask the members of the Senate to support SB 128.

Remember
that whether you contact the committee members either by email or by
phone, to be courteous and respectful above all else. Be sure to keep
your message brief, and thank them for their time.

In the subject line put: SUPPORT SB 128 – Burden of Proof

(Copy and Paste All email addresses into the “Send To” box)

artiles.frank@flsenate.gov;
baxley.dennis@flsenate.gov;
bean.aaron@flsenate.gov;
benacquisto.lizbeth@flsenate.gov;
book.lauren@flsenate.gov;
bracy.randolph@flsenate.gov;
bradley.rob@flsenate.gov;
brandes.jeff@flsenate.gov;
broxson.doug@flsenate.gov;
clemens.jeff@flsenate.gov;
flores.anitere@flsenate.gov;
gainer.george@flsenate.gov;
galvano.bill@flsenate.gov;
garcia.rene@flsenate.gov;

grimsley.denise@flsenate.gov;
hukill.dorothy@flsenate.gov;
hutson.travis@flsenate.gov;
latvala.jack@flsenate.gov;
lee.tom@flsenate.gov;
mayfield.debbie@flsenate.gov;
montford.bill@flsenate.gov;
negron.joe@flsenate.gov;
passidomo.kathleen@flsenate.gov;
perry.keith@flsenate.gov;
rouson.darryl@flsenate.gov;
simmons.david@flsenate.gov;
simpson.wilton@flsenate.gov;
stargel.kelli@flsenate.gov;
steube.greg@flsenate.gov;
young.dana@flsenate.gov

Sample Body:

Dear Senator,

In
2005, the Legislature approved immunity for those involved in lawful
acts of self-defense. This immunity included protection from the expense
and embarrassment of arrest and prosecution unless sufficient evidence
existed to show the act was not in lawful self-defense. The Florida
Supreme Court neutered legislative intent by not only placing the burden
of proof on the defendant, but that testimony given in defense can be
used against the defendant in later proceedings. This flies in the face
of Fifth Amendment protection against self-incrimination and certainly
is in contrast to the long held American legal principle one is innocent
until proven guilty.

Please support SB 128.

Respectfully,

Uncategorized

“I’m Older Now And It’s Very Scary”

July 15, 2015

by John Richardson

WTSP Channel 10 News did a report a couple of days ago about the growth in Florida senior citizens applying for and getting the concealed carry permits. The report notes that over 350,000 permits holders in Florida are over the age of 66.

I’m glad to see these people taking the responsibility for their own self-defense. With regard to the disparity of force argument, most senior citizens would be at a disadvantage against a younger attacker. I’m not a senior citizen (yet) but I would feel at a severe disadvantage if I were attacked by an attacker in his 20s or 30s.

I like the tone of this story. It isn’t “this is dangerous for Grandma to have a firearm” but rather an honest report on how senior citizens are taking the initiative to protect themselves. I hope the trainers in Florida and elsewhere recognize this and develop classes aimed directly at this demographic.

I would embed the video but I can’t get it not to autoplay. Bummer. Here is the link.

H/T Laura Carno

Uncategorized

Shades Of Oliver Twist

May 16, 2014

by John Richardson

If you were exposed to Dickens novels in school or are of an age to remember the movie Oliver, then you know the story of how an older corrupt man used young boys to do his nefarious deeds. In a case of life imitating art, Brad Shipley of Trenton, Florida was arrested for using neighborhood kids to break-in to homes and steal outdoor gear such as guns, knives, and fishing tackle.


Photo from the Levy County Sheriff’s Dept

Shipley’s scheme fell apart when one of the kids told his mom what he was being forced to do.

Shipley’s plan unraveled when one of the kids told his mother what he had been made to do. The mother contacted LCSO and investigators seized the moment. Investigators were able recover property from six residential burglaries in Levy County, one burglary in Gilchrist County and a storage shed burglary in Alachua County.

According to the Levy County Clerk of Court’s office, Shipley is facing 17 counts ranging from dealing in stolen property to burglary to being a felon in possession of a firearm. He is being held under a $810,000 bond.

I’m a little surprised at the size of the bond but then again if you are stealing a man’s (or woman’s) fishing rod and/or his mounted deer head, you deserve to rot in jail.

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Florida HB 49 – Threat Of Force Bill

March 19, 2014

by John Richardson 2 Comments

Florida Carry sent out an alert this evening regarding House Bill 49 – Threat of Force. This bill will protect citizens from being threatened with 10-20 year sentences when they use the mere threat of force to protect themselves. Overzealous prosecutors like the utterly despicable State Attorney Angela Corey of Jacksonville have been using an existing law to charge those who display (or brandish) a firearm in self-defense with aggravated assault.

Colt And Florida

August 6, 2013

by John Richardson 3 Comments

Back in late 2011, Colt’s Manufacturing Company indicated that it planned to open a plant in Kissimmee, Florida. They said they were going to make a $2.5 million investment in a vacant facility that was owned by Osceola County. While the plant was scheduled to open in 2012, it never did.

Fast forward to today. At today’s Regular Meeting of the Osceola County Board of Commissioners, the Board gave their unanimous approval and authorization for the Board Chair and Vice-Chair to sign the landlord agreement with Colt’s Manufacturing. The lease will run through 2023. This agreement was necessary before the equipment lessor would allow Colt’s Manufacturing to move any machinery into the building.

While Colt has committed to this plant since 2011, I don’t believe any mention has been made of just what will be made or assembled in this plant. Given Connecticut’s new gun control laws, I would not be surprised to see the plant being used for the assembly of AR-15s for the civilian market. However, that is just a guess.

WFTV Channel 9 Orlando has a report on Colt moving in along with the positive reaction by area residents.

H/T Miguel

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Who’s The Bigger Idiot?

June 14, 2012

by John Richardson 1 Comment

I’m trying to figure out who in this case comes across as the bigger idiot – the media or the sheriff and his staff

On Tuesday, the Broward County Sheriff’s Department arrested the owners of a pain clinic in Pompano Beach (FL) on charges of money laundering, racketeering, and prescription drug trafficking. They then seized guns and money from the owners’ home and office.

As to who comes off like the bigger idiot, I’ll let you make the call.

First, here is the lead paragraph of the story by Linda Trischitta of the Sun Sentinel:

The confiscated arsenal includes two short-barreled assault rifles, a portable rocket launcher case and a tiny .22-caliber pistol that would fit in a brassiere.

Including “a portable rocket launcher case” in the list of a “confiscated arsenal” is pretty stupid. Reporters are not known for having gun smarts. However, it seems the sheriff of Broward County and some of his staff are trying to out-stupid the media when it comes to firearms.

Sheriff Al Lamberti had this to say:

During a news conference at BSO’s Fort Lauderdale headquarters, Sheriff Al Lamberti called the firearms array “scary” and “sophisticated” and “not the day-to-day, target practice weapons you’d normally see.”

But, officials acknowledged, the bulk of the weapons had been legally purchased.

You almost expect him to say the doctors arrested had firearms with that shoulder thing that goes up.

Sgt. Ted Taranu of the BSO then displays the arrogance (and stupidity) that serves to tarnish the reputation of all the good law enforcement officers out there:

The olive-green rocket launcher case did not contain its projectile, and was harmless.

Sgt. Ted Taranu of BSO’s gun squad said it is not illegal to possess such a souvenir, but that a civilian really shouldn’t have one.

“The military controls such equipment that could perhaps be bought at a gun show or from a private collector for around $500,” said Taranu. BSO will now try to determine who bought it, and from where.

Sheriff Lamberti, by the way, is a Republican. It goes to show that Democrats don’t hold the license on making anti-gun comments nor that Republicans are always pro-gun.