Gun-friendly state law puts Springs in a fix

Gun-friendly state law puts Springs in a fix
August 30, 2011

A newly passed gun-friendly state law has forced Coral Springs to
make changes to its code that currently prohibits bringing firearms
and ammunition into city parks.

By passing the Joe Carlucci Uniform Firearms Act, the legislature
declared all future and existing ordinances related to the regulation
of firearms and ammunition null and void. Coral Springs, like all
other cities in the state that have laws regulating firearms and
ammunition, will have to pass an ordinance that does away with
those rules. The state law is effective Oct. 1.

The two sections of the city's code which will have to be scrapped
relates to bringing firearms and ammunition inside parks and
discharging firearms with city limits. Section 4-3, the other section
in the city's code that refers to firearms, will remain as its purpose
is to prohibit hunting within city limits. The sections have been in
the city's code since 1972.

City Attorney John Hearn said the city had no other option but to
pass a new ordinance. "It is a very strong pro-gun carrying law.
Since the state law becomes effective Oct. 1,
we will have to pass a new ordinance in September."

Mayor Roy Gold wasn't happy at all with the development.
"This is not my favorite move," he said. "This sets a bad precedent.
I certainly don't want to see guns in our parks. That being said,
there is nothing we can do about it."

"Personally, it's frightening," Vice Mayor Claudette Bruck said.
"I am not suggesting that everyone who has a gun is out here to
harm others but guns do harm. Guns only do harm. Responsible
people are responsible but reckless people are reckless."

"I have concerns with people being able to take guns wherever
they want," Commissioner Tom Powers said. "Guns are surely not
appropriate in parks and other places where there are kids and families.
It's a free society, but we got to be concerned about the feelings
of others. The new law may make people more uncomfortable [and]
it is not a nice feeling when you know that the person next to you
may be carrying a gun."

"I think the legislature made a mistake," Commissioner Vice Boccard said.
"It's a tough guy society these days and people are not afraid to use weapons.
Guns in parks are not good. A tragedy could possibly happen.
I wish we could do something about it, but our hands are tied."

Any attempt by a local body to enforce an ordinance related
to firearms after Oct. 1 will result in an injunction against
enforcement of the law and the local body running the risk of
having a monetary fine imposed on it. The State Act, however,
provides two exceptions – Coral Springs can still continue neutral
zoning regulations that encompass gun shops and the police
department can regulate their inventory of firearms and ammunition.

[All emfasis has been added by David.]