Gun control wasn’t on the Pasco County Commission’s agenda Tuesday, but that didn’t stop residents from stepping forward to voice their opinions about the prospect of new laws being passed on the local level.
Several residents came out to express their concerns that the commission will delve into an issue that is already being discussed at the state and national level. Commissioners are considering a local law that would close the “gun show loophole,” which allows people to buy weapons without a background check or waiting period at gun shows.
“Guns, if they’re made illegal, instead of licensed gun dealers, you’ll have criminals,” warned Jose Lugo of Spring Hill. Lugo, along with several other residents, said the main issue that needs to be addressed is mental health.
“I’m here to oppose any new gun legislation,” said one meeting attendee. “Criminals are criminals because they don’t follow the law. Please stop interfering with our Second Amendment rights.”
Minerva Diaz of Trinity had a different take.
“We’re living in the 21st century where it has become necessary to articulate new laws,” she said, adding that mental health issues also need to be addressed to prevent shootings like that in Newtown, Conn., from occurring again.
Diaz said she would like to see substantial background checks enacted on all who “want to possess arms.”
Commissioners were mostly quiet on the issue, saying they want to hear more from the public and do their own research before moving forward with a local ordinance. If the commission does pursue local legislation, it would have to instruct the County Attorney's Office to draft an ordinance and then hold public hearings before voting for its passage or denial.
A public meeting on gun control issues is scheduled to take place during the March 19 commission meeting, which starts at 9 a.m. at the West Pasco Government Center, 8731 Citizens Drive in New Port Richey.
What do you think, Land O' Lakes? Should Pasco County close the gun show loophole? Or do you think current laws are sufficient? Share your thoughts in the comments section.
The Florida Constitution allows counties to make rules regarding criminal history checks and waiting periods for sales "conducted on property to which the public has the right of access". It will not affect sales on private property or private transfers. Persons holding a concealed carry permit are exempt from this law. People with serious mental health issues will not show up on criminal background checks unless they have also committed a crime. It is easy to simply go to another county that does not have these rules - such as the gun show at the Florida State Fairgrounds - to purchase a firearm. Only three counties have taken advantage of this Art VIII Sec 5(b) to require checks and waiting periods at gun shows - Miami-Dade, Palm Beach, and Broward. Have they seen ANY reduction in criminal activity since instituting these rules? If our legislators feel they MUST do something, I suggest taking gun charges off the table when it comes to plea bargaining criminal cases. A felon who has possession of a gun, or a person who uses a gun to commit a crime should not have that charge eliminated by prosecutors.
.the school killer did not get his guns from a gun show. He stole the gun. S