Jacob Ogles
When Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for Hurricane Milton, he added a provision making clear that cities cannot stop gun sales. The unprecedented move came after a South Florida city unintentionally included such restrictions in an emergency order last month.
Okeechobee Mayor Dowling Watford stressed that the small town had its order, which prompted outrage by gun rights groups, in place for only about four hours. The order related to Hurricane Helene, which ultimately tore chiefly through North Florida. Indeed, Okeechobee in 2020 passed a resolution declaring itself a Second Amendment Sanctuary City.
“We took it down as soon as we realized our mistake,” he said. “It was never, ever, ever enforced, nor would it be enforced.”
Still, the inclusion prompted several activists to attend city meetings and call the Governor’s Office. The Firearms Policy Coalition on its social media said members called DeSantis’ Office about the order.
“Not only was this local declaration illegal and unconstitutional, we were told that as soon as the Governor’s office was aware they directed the Police Chief to rescind the order,” reads a post on X.
Indeed, the next time DeSantis’ Office issued an executive order, ahead of Milton, it included language preventing either state or local officials from putting such restrictions in place because of the storm.
“The State Coordinating Officer shall not have the authority to suspend or limit the sale, dispensing, or transportation of firearms,” the executive order reads.
The Governor’s Office has not answered questions why such a preemption appeared necessary to include, but in a weekend press release announcing the order, his team asked for press outlets to note the provision in reporting
Matt Collins, a gun rights advocate and lobbyist, said it was important to make clear that a hurricane does not preempt constitutional rights. Asked why gun rights groups needed to mobilize over the Okeechobee order, he said: “To nip it in the bud, set an example, and make sure other municipalities knew that violating the 2nd Amendment was unacceptable, even if ‘by mistake.’”
Watford said the only reason the language made it into the recent emergency order was that it was modeled off an order dating back to 2004.
State law allows for the restriction of gun sales during emergencies, but only if they are called because of riots or civil unrest.
That means if anyone wants to restrict the firearms trade in the event of looting after the storm, it must wait to see if DeSantis lifts the preemption in the current executive order.
10 comments
wtf is happening to Florida?
October 7, 2024 at 2:12 pm
This just in, Ron DeSantis issues executive order making gun stores open 24/7. Any that close will have their doors and locks ripped off by the highway patrol f-250 trucks and winches. What in the sam hell is happening in Florida???
Spot on
October 7, 2024 at 6:49 pm
No he didn’t, the order was that nobody can ban the sales of guns during the emergency and he is right to do so, remember all the looting and robberies during Katrina?
The Blue Wave is Coming!
October 7, 2024 at 2:16 pm
What if they’re just closing to evacuate and make sure people get out safely? Why does someone need to go buy an assault rifle during the middle of a hurricane? Here’s a thought, pack up your families and GTFO.
Rich7553
October 8, 2024 at 3:10 pm
What part of “it’s illegal” didn’t you understand?
Ridiculous
October 7, 2024 at 2:18 pm
Tok ur jebs and ur guns. Me needs to buy a gun during cat 5 hurricane! No TP, no water, no gas but I boughts me a new shiny gun. Hillbillies!
Spot on
October 7, 2024 at 6:52 pm
Those “hillbillies” would be having their way with you if they chose as you would be defenseless during the emergency.
Also, most so called hillbillies would be prepared for something like this.
Rich7553
October 8, 2024 at 3:11 pm
This “hillbilly” grew up 18 miles outside of NYC, and is a retired military veteran. You got a problem with that?
RecallDesantis
October 7, 2024 at 3:25 pm
DeSantis refused a call from VP Harris and still has not contacted President Biden since Helene. This guy really is a trifling piece of work.
Let’s start a recall election!
Impeach DeSantis
October 7, 2024 at 3:39 pm
Unfortunately can’t recall the governor of Florida he can only be impeached. Another protection in place that prohibits “we the people” from doing the work of the people.
Tom
October 7, 2024 at 3:49 pm
It would be nice if he could step away from the culture wars just for a couple of days but I guess he’s just got nothing else other than BS as usual. Just another sad, little man I guess.
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