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Matt Reed: Brevard lifting local gun ban in parks
Let me see if I get this straight.It's illegal to carry a firearm into a middle-school basketball game. But -- in a win for Second Amendment rights -- it's now OK to take one to a youth football or Little League game at a county park.
You can't tote a concealed weapon to a show at the King Center at Brevard Community College. But go ahead and take one to a dog show at Wickham Park.
You can't pack heat on a playground at your neighborhood elementary school, even with a concealed-weapons permit. But, with said permit, you now can carry your Glock or Beretta to a playground at Palm Bay Regional Park, Titusville's Chain of Lakes or any county park in between.
That's the upshot of a legal analysis by the County Attorney's office, which found that Brevard government has improperly regulated firearms on local recreation land for years.
It found that the county ordinance conflicts with state statutes that ban concealed weapons in courthouses, polling places, pro sports stadiums and school and college campuses -- but makes no mention of county parks.
County Manager Howard Tipton requested the legal review after a local gun owner and a Fort Myers attorney objected to rules posted on signs and the county Web site.
The old rules prohibit guns unless owners first obtain a special permit from the county.
"I would like to see Brevard County embrace legal gun ownership and the 2nd Amendment," Titusville resident David A. Pocock wrote to Tipton in a Jan 13 e-mail.
On Feb. 9, Attorney Patrick Buckley III, who lists himself as an expert in firearms law, wrote to County Commissioner Mary Bolin: "I don't believe any Florida citizen should have to give up a civil right to go to the park, and I don't think a Florida citizen should have to pay me . . . for an opinion as to whether or not they can go to the park legally carrying a concealed firearm."
State law still prohibits firing a gun in a public place.
Why challenge the local ordinance?
Pocock told me he has no special desire to bring a gun to a park, but he does like to visit them with his dogs.
He explained that while he and his wife studied recently to obtain their state concealed-weapon permits, they spotted a conflict between the literature and signs posted at such parks as the Enchanted Forest nature area.
Pocock said he wanted to be certain where it was OK to carry his gun.
"If we're there, and we get stopped by a ranger, I don't really want to spend the 30-minute ride in the back of a cop car and a night in jail to prove that I'm right," Pocock said.
The County Commission last week voted to begin the public process of repealing its gun restrictions.
"This may be an issue the County Commission wishes to bring to the attention of Brevard County's legislative delegation, as guns in parks present a legitimate and compelling health, safety and welfare concern," says a Jan. 19 memo from Assistant County Attorneys Morris Richardson and Diana Johnson.
Perhaps. But it's an election year. Brevard's representatives and senators are busy pandering to the gun lobby with various bills (e.g. those by Republican Sens. Thad Altman, Mike Haridopolos, and our Republican state representatives) to undue, or loosen or block restrictions. I suspect they're in no mood to listen.
What do you make of this development?
Labels: Brevard County parks, Brevard watchdog blog, gun rights
54 Comments:
The Gun-yahoos would have us believe that a typical gun-incident is this- some masked bad-guy appears, and everyone in the vicinity is saved by our God-fearing 9mm-packing superhero- THEMSELVES!
Statistics don't bear this out as truth. In fact, this is almost NEVER how the incident plays out. Far more likely, the yahoo gets agitated and in a moment of extreme aggravation, pulls his glock outta the glovebox and wastes the teenager honking at him.
I'm not suggesting YAY nor NAY on gun laws, or places we should be able to carry.
I'm am saying though that almost everyone in FAVOR or packing heat believes in scenerio #1 above, while more of them will END UP in scenerio #2. And that logic is not only flawed, its FATAL.
Republicans mean to kill everyone who isn't what they call a Conservative in what they expect to be the next Civil War.
These people are out of their minds and shouldn't be allowed to carry guns.
Posters above, please move back to Yankee-land.
"What? Is that your frisbee that landed in my BBQ sauce? BLAM BLAM, Eat lead punk!", sez the pistol packing gun owner excerising his newly acquired rights......
And to read it with more comments, click
http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20100302/COLUMNISTS0207/3020317/Matt-Reed-Gun-limits-lifted-at-parks-in-county?
"Anonymous said...
"What? Is that your frisbee that landed in my BBQ sauce? BLAM BLAM, Eat lead punk!", sez the pistol packing gun owner excerising his newly acquired rights..."
These "newly acquired rights" have been law since 1987.
Where are your statistics showing the licensed gun owners who committed crimes with their legally carried guns?
>Anonymous said...
>
> Posters above, please move back to Yankee-land.
What was your first clue? They're educated and use words you can't understand?
You are all aware that last May the US Congress voted to allow loaded guns in NATIONAL AND FEDERAL PARKS, right? You can carry a gun there as long as it is OK under state law and you abide by the gun laws of the state the park is in.
Seems to me that those who are upset by this COUNTY issue need to bring their concerns to the attention of Brevard's legislative delegation and work to have STATE law changed.
I imagine it was the fact they have obviously completed their leftist indoctrination courses with flying colors.
It was a well thought out and reasonable decision. One's rights don't stop at an imaginary line.
Anti-rights people keep making up horror scenarios that never seem to come true.
Regardless of "possible" issues, this is the law. The law states that those who have their CCW license (meaning, they are actually following the law, and carrying legally) can carry with the exception of those places listed above. Saying that those with guns just pull their guns at those that honk at them is just ignorant. Chances are, the few that are that stupid to pull something like that, also are not carrying legally, having completed the safety course required to get your license. Contrary to popular belief, not everyone with a gun is a complete moron. If you have a problem with the constitution or state laws, then vote and try to make a change. But quit acting like children and insulting those that are following the law, and stop making up "statistics" simply because your argument is lacking. The law is there for a reason. And those within the government (County/City/Whatever) are not above the law. It is to be followed by everyone, whether you/we like it or not.
Matt Reed is a blow-hard.
Even his comrade Sean Penn carries a gun.
LMAO this is funny allowing honadguns at county parks. I do seem to recall an incident in Cocoa that resulted in a fight. Now if that happend in West Melbourne and it was Cocoa or Rockledge football team, What do you think would occur between the parenhts? It wouldn't be a fist fight!!!
I have seen many choldish behaviors from both sides at ballgames and yea they become heated to say the least. I have seen bats pulled and knives used. Now with this ruling it will be a handgun and it will be legal for it to be carried.
I support the 2nd amendment but this finding is just plain friggin stuipd. Hope the man and attorney are prepared to deal with the thought that they are responsible for any action as a result of this ruling. After all they put it into motion didn't they?
hey wise, one where do you get your statistics from? mayor mike bloomberg?
More people obtained for their Concealed Weapons Permits in 2009 in Florida than any other time in recent history. Violent crime rates were lower in Orlando and most other Florida metropolitan areas in 2009 than any other time in recent history. Chicago has a gun ban and has one of the highest violent crime rates in the country. Coincidence? Come on lefties, let's hear your "statistics".
Just more republican idiots. Americans have a right to amend the constitution or reform their constitutional government. which means the right to bear arms is no different than the right of free speech. Speech is abridged in meetings, in court, you not allow to yell fire in a movie house. yet these nuts on the lunatic fringe of republicans, the Nazi want-to-be party, don't believe the same constitution allows for Americans to pass laws to meet the changes technology & centuries of time have brought. How stupid is that???
wise one - where are your facts to back up your “more likely scenario”? Your entire post is opinion-based. show me the statistics you speak of verifying the likelyhood of more gun crime commited by law abiding concealed carry firearm holders and maybe then your opinion will be more than just that.
We have a constitutional right to bear arms in this country. Weather you choose to excersize those rights or not is your choice.
Here are a few examples of law abiding citizens protecting themselves against criminals.
www.examiner.com/examiner/x-18149-SelfDefense-Examiner~y2009m9d7-Concealed-carry-permit-holder-saves-manager-deadly-car-attack
www.wibw.com/localnews/headlines/51738527.html
www.pennlive.com/news/patriotnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1212186316213740.xml&coll=1&thispage=1
www.click2houston.com/news/17086452/detail.html
www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=20102020316
Please by all means convice me otherwise with some facts supporing your POV.
I carry to protect my family myself and other law abiding citizens from the criminals that use firearms unlawfully. A good friend of mine was mugged at gunpoint and after hearing his story I decided at that I would never be in a situation where I am powerless to protect myself or my family. Lets not forget that the criminals are going to get guns weather you or I have them or not.
You know, I keep hearing people complain about "lefties" and "liberals" as being anti gun rights. However, as a "liberal" I am a strict believer in the right to bear arms, and some of the most right wing conservative people I know don't own a gun or want one or believe in gun rights. So this isn't as great of a Democrat vs. Republican issue like you would want to believe
wise one - where are your facts to back up your “more likely scenario”. Your entire post is opinion-based. show me the statistics you speak of verifying the likelyhood of more gun crime commited by law abiding concealed carry permit holders and maybe then your opinion will be more than just that.
We have a constitutional right to bear arms in this country. Weather you choose to excersize those rights or not is your choice.
I carry to protect my family myself and other law abiding citizens from the criminals that carry and use firearms unlawfully. A good friend of mine was mugged at gunpoint and after hearing his story I decided at that I would never let myself be in a situation where I am powerless to protect myself or my family. Lets not forget that the criminals are going to get guns weather you or I have them or not.
For those that just don't seem to get it, and think that this was an attempt to "change the law" so that we can take our guns wherever, that is not the case. The law has said for 25 years now that we can carry in public parks. The issue is that by Parks and Recreation making their own "laws" regarding carrying (legally), they are in fact breaking Florida law. Plain and simple. This is not a matter of "we should be able to carry here". This is a matter of "we CAN carry here" and to remove the signs saying that we can't, as it's against the law to have them. Period.
the same Constitution which lets Matt Reed's right to write what ever he wants, lets me carry my weapon!
So, i should not protect my kids in any park?
Bag it Left. I CHOOSE the right to decide what to do with my body and my kids body. Protection will not come from you or the state.
Bad guys beware.THAT'S the point here.
Matt, Maybe you should give up your rights to opine during election time. After all, it's just a small liberty taken away. 1st or 2nd amendment what's the difference? I don't trust you or the state to protect my rights, THEY ARE MINE not yours.
this story ran earlier today and all the posts are gone F.T./matt reed??? didnt like what the posts said?start over? if you think you can rewrite the bill of rights then you dont deserve any rights the gov does infringe but its not constitional right
I bet Matt Reed runs red lights and stop signs on a regular basis and figures he will never " accidently " kill anybody by doing that.So its ok to keep on doing it.
Yeah, I noticed that too. They disabled the comments 8 pages later, about 30 minutes or so ago.
I don't think it is a conspiracy that the comments from this morning's column are gone. It is obvious when FT switches from one area online to another- news stories to the Watch Dog area-comments are lost.
Honestly, do you feel everyone is out to get you?
I don't know where you're getting that anything was conspiracy, but yes, the comments were 'disabled' not moved. The story is still where is was and has been all day. So I'm not really sure what you are talking about.
"Erin P. said...
I don't know where you're getting that anything was conspiracy, but yes, the comments were 'disabled' not moved. The story is still where is was and has been all day. So I'm not really sure what you are talking about."
Comments were not 'disabled' - they have all been removed.
I have a few questions for Matt. When was the last time you fired a gun? Do you own one? If you answer yes, then why? Have you been through a Florida Concealed Carry class? Have you studied the statistics of illegal use of otherwise legally carried concealed weapons? If you find yourself in a situation where you are in immediate fear for your life, will you be content waiting for the police to come to your aid or wish you had the means to legally defend yourself?
I legally carry a weapon everyday, everywhere I am legally allowed to. Why do I carry? Not because I am looking for trouble, but rather to get myself out of trouble. I know I am responsible for my own safety and I don't wish to ever need to use deadly force to protect myself. However, if a situation presents itself where my choice is to either lay down and die or fight, I will choose the latter.
Great! One more place I cannot take the family for fear so bozo will go balistic or some goof mishandles his killing machine. Let's here it for regression! Going backwards (and backwoods) has never been so much fun!
"Protection will not come from you or the state. Bad guys beware.THAT'S the point here."
Actually the point is that more innocent people will be needlessly killed by some lune and his killing machine, either by the so-called "lawfull" owner or his negligence in properly handling and/or securing his killing machine. We are so backwards in this country! What a bunch of ignorant and/or arrogant hillbilly cowboys.
....The law finally allows the local gang-bangers/homies(over 18 of course), soccer moms, rabid sports fans , and homeless people at public parks to pack heat legally!!! I feel safer already!
What better way than a gun shoot-out to settle a ball game,or a bad call by the ref. To quiet those pesky and obnoxious parents. A day at the park with your family will never be the same. Sad.
Ignorance is bliss I guess. There's always going to be the idiot that doesn't know the law, or doesn't care about the law, yet doesn't want to be involved in the process of the changing the law. And for future reference, the age is 21 for CCW, not 18. If you don't know anything about the subject, please refrain from throwing out "facts". And again, it's already been the law for 20+ years. This isn't a change in law, it's an enforcement of the law.
And, yes, they specifically disabled the comments for that specific article. http://www.floridatoday.com/comments/article/20100302/COLUMNISTS0207/3020317/Matt-Reed-Gun-limits-lifted-at-parks-in-county
If you go to the link, it very specifically says that it was disabled for that article.
The "Brevard Watchlist" takes you to a blogger page. Florida Today's site however, has disabled the comments on that article. And the article is and has been on the front page of Florida Today's site all day, regardless of it being added to a blog.
http://www.floridatoday.com/comments/article/20100302/COLUMNISTS0207/3020317/Matt-Reed-Gun-limits-lifted-at-parks-in-county
Actually the point is that more innocent people will be needlessly killed by some lune and his killing machine, either by the so-called "lawfull" owner or his negligence in properly handling and/or securing his killing machine. We are so backwards in this country! What a bunch of ignorant and/or arrogant hillbilly cowboys. - This sort of tripe kills me....if someone wants to kill people, with a gun, a bomb, a car, a knife, a spork, ANYTHING, do you think they are going to follow the law????? That's the first thing 'lunes' do, check the legal requirements to determine which devices they can use to murder..... only in your world.
Also, the right to carry arms was put in place to protect the citizens from their own government...not to just defend oneself from criminals. Just a reminder.
People who go thru the trouble of getting a ccw and follow the law and dot all the Is and Ts arnt the problem,its the criminals who dont bother to follow the laws who make law abiding citizens pay the price,so all the bleeding hearts out there against 2nd ammendment rights next time one of these low lifes attack you or your family throw your basketball or frisbee at them and wait an hr. or so until authorities arrive,so keep believing its a perfect and safe world out there.
Someone better tell brevard county that haveing a gun in,
a park in brevard county under state law is still illeagal.
So the way the law reads i can pack heat at wickham park,
& bust a cap insomeone rump.
This is to the brevard county attorneys office,
you want to really have the citizens of brevard county on your,
doorstep repeal this ordinance quick.
Um. English is good for a start. Reading actually helps. You can carry if you are CCW. And no, you can't just go in and shoot (sorry, "bust a cap insomeone rump"). CCW is CARRY AND CONCEAL, meaning, it cannot be seen. Anyone in violation of that, is in fact a criminal, unless having to shoot for self defense, which will happen regardless of a sign or a "rule". It has been the law for over 20 years, this is not a new law. We have always been allowed to carry at parks. The issue is that the county government is not abiding by State law. And yes, State law very specifically does not say public parks on the list of exceptions. If only there was a law against stupidity.
Well if court employees who bypass security are able to carry their concealed weapons I think this is a good start!
Well why dont we ban baseball bats also while we are at it there is a lethal weapon for shure a good aluminum or a hefty louisville slugger will do a good job and you dont even need a conceiled carry permit for it,so when a mom is in the park and some low life figures she is a good target for some drug money or just pocket change a he dont care about societies laws what will the cry be then ban all people from the park that look like criminals,get real if a person has went thru all the legal checks and is in the park when one of those bad guys come around i shure hope he brought his carry with him to keep me from being a statisic we see in the papers every night.
Typical liberal dribble coming from matt read. This is the same crap that spewed from their mouths back when Fl first voted to ease CCW laws. The headlines screamed back then that Fl will be the next wild west with blood running down the streets.....
Just a small comment on the liberals who think all people with ccws are just beer drinking slobs who dont have any sense,well these people who are spouting so called bad things will sureley happen need to engage their barins before their mouths and look up facts to support their sky is falling rants.In fact more police officers thats right the sworn keeppers of the peace are involved nationwide in more accidental shootings than people with ccw permits there are a lot of facts in support of armed citizens doing good with the right to bear arms,if only these moaners of half truths would take the time to look up statics and know what they are really talking about rather than just spew untruths,read read read
Cool. Now you can let the sex offenders in the park again. By the way, it was just reported on TV, Florida is running a close second in hate groups behind No. 1,Texas. How cool is that. Second in killing its own citizens too. Yee-haw!
I wish you guys would post your names on here. It would make for handy list of who not to allow in my dating pool. Any man afraid of carrying a gun doesn't deserve a woman.
So, despite ruses to the contrary from time to time, Matt Reed is just another anti-Constitutional shill at Florida Today-Pravda. Chapter 790 Florida Statutes makes it VERY clear that cities and couties SHALL NOT pass "gun control laws" anywhere in the State. And, there's nothing intrinsically wrong with a licensee carrying a firearm in a park. Criminals go to parks, just as we do. They can be armed, just as we can. "Please don't rob, rape, or kill me, Mr. Criminal, because Matt Reed is troubled by me being lawfully armed in a park, so I'm unarmed." FT-Pravda Twit.
I'm glad I didn't pay to read this garbage. I'm glad I have AdBlock Plus on my computer so I don't help your ad sales either.
Anyone that thinks it's wrong to own or carry a firearm should not do so. It's pretty plain and simple. Don't think for a second that criminals worry if their handguns are being carried or used legally. I am a legal American and I will protect myself, family, and friends from those that wish to prey on others. I am well trained and would not ever brandish a weapon without just cause. The Police can not be everywhere. Parks, schools, Etc??? If there is a chance of a threat I have the right to protect myself.
All the "blood will flow in the streets" fanatics have been proven wrong 100% of the time, for decades. "Wild West" hasn't happened with objective concealed carry, termination of the phony "Clinton Gun Ban," "guns in cars in public parking lots at work for concealed licensees," and so on. Yet the anti-self defense fanatics prattle the same shopworn lie, forever. Very tiresome, and meaningless.
I consider anyone roaming around with a loaded gun, except law enforcement, a threat to my safety and peace of mind. I don't know anyone who would carry a gun around like that. That said, there ARE certain people who probably need an armed body guard - especially politicians. With all the hatred spewed on certain talk radio stations, I'm sure the body guard industry is making a fortune.
I'm a 37 year old woman, I have an MBA, own my own business, have 2 great children, and a wonderful husband. We own our home and wouldn't be in danger of losing it to foreclosure should either of us lose our jobs. We're certainly not rich but my kids will have a college education. I vote Independent, neither "left" or "right". I agree with some of the ideals of both parties, but all of neither. I also have a CWP and carry my weapon every single day wherever it is legal to do so. I practice at a range and with an instructor regularly. I wouldn't consider myself to be a beer swilling, hillbilly, lowlife, trailer trash, idiot (I believe I covered all the bases there). I would consider myself to be completely competent to protect my family, myself, and any innocent victims of a criminal should the need arise. I will NOT give up that right. Just my two cents.
Kudos for Matt Reid to write about this issue. He is exercising his right of Freedom of Speech (Press) to our blessing we get to enjoy it and use these rights ourselves within the parameters set by ethical professionals in journalism.
To own and carry a gun as approved by law is also an exercise of the freedom of the US citizen: Freedom from Fear. We have the right to protect ourselves from thugs who carry guns without permits.
Don't be so quick in giving up your freedoms. Buy a gun!Be safe!Be free from harm!or not, it is our choice. Don't make choices for other people who are free to make that decision in the land of the FREE!
The 2nd Amendment and the God-given right to defend one's self and one's family from a violent attack is natural and sensible. It is so unfortunate that the left wing, koombaya singers here wrote such terrible things about conservatives, God-fearing people, republicans, etc.
It shows a dangerous ignorance about our Constitution, the rights of citizens (vs. those of the government), and a mealy mouthed, pathetic way of life whereby these same people see their only option to dealing with an attack is to submit, hope that they are not raped, or beaten to death, and then meekly call the police after the fact...
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