Topic: Concealed Weapons

The bill by Sen. Wilton Simpson and Rep. James Grant would allow county tax collectors to handle concealed weapon gun applications, a big step from the eight regional offices that now handle them for the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. ... Related Research: Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services' Concealed Weapon License webpage.

Gov. Rick Scott quickly reinstates Liberty County Sheriff Nick Finch after a jury in Bristol deliberated for about an hour to find him not guilty of improperly freeing a concealed-weapons suspect he decided was exercising his right to bear arms. ... Related Research: Executive Order Number 2013-311, and Executive Order Number 2013-140.

When the Dreamers challenged Fort Walton Republican Matt Gaetz on Sunday to a debate, the House member said he was looking forward to it. Then, while Gaetz traveled Monday, social media buzzed with word there would be a one-on-one in a showdown over "stand your ground." Gaetz says he meant debate in the context of a legislative hearing but that he is "very open-minded." ... Related Research: Twitter profiles for Rep. Matt Gaetz and Dream Defenders Executive Director Phillip B

A delegation of more than a dozen spiritual leaders from across Florida descended on the Capitol to encourage a sit-in heading into its third weekend.

The Speaker said he sees no need to put the issue before the Legislature until law enforcement presents a consistent unified message about the self-defense provision. The Dreamers say they welcome the opportunity to debate the issue with all stakeholders. ... Related Research: Florida Department of Juvenile Justice leaflet of volunteer opportunities.

The National Bar Association and the Hillsborough County Black Elected Officials Monday joined a chorus of people calling for a special session. A protest at the state Capitol continues with demonstrators planning their own legislative session for Tuesday. ... Related Research: July 29, 2013 Letter to Governor Rick Scott, Senate President Don Gaetz, and House Speaker Will Weatherford from Hillsborough County Black Elected Officials.

The 86-year-old entertainer and veteran activist traveled to Tallahassee to participate in the Dream Defenders sit in. He had met members of the group about a year ago and told them if he ever could help to call. They did. He came. And he sat with them in the governor's office.

Thursday, three groups joined the Dream Defenders protest of Florida's "stand your ground" law. The Alliance for Educational Justice chartered two buses from New England and Mid-Atlantic states to bring reinforcements to Tallahassee, and PICO United sent six ministers to sleep at the Capitol. A group from New Haven, Conn., is expected in town Friday.

Student protesters say they will remain at the Capitol for as long as it takes for the governor to call a special session on the state's stand-your-ground law. Friday the NAACP called on the AFL-CIO, SEUI and faith-based groups to join the student activists in Tallahassee.

Before the Capitol doors were locked a steady stream of people delivered, food, blankets, soap and water to a group of protesters planning to continue a sit in through the weekend. A spokesman for the Dream Defenders, the protest organizers, say the sit in will continue until lawmakers repeal the "stand your ground" law.