FL Carry suing Miami Beach

[Firemedic2000]

Looks like a bunch of professional trolls finally got what they wanted.

I don't understand what you meant by the statement. Care to clarify on it. Are you talking about the police violating the law that's clearly laid out in florida law or the people that were lawfully exercising their rights under Florida law.

I open carry everytime I fish or camp and have never had a problem.

There is no need normally to carry a gun openly when fishing as a group activity, unless you want to bring attention to yourselves. Which is what they wanted to do.

I don't care if you or anyone open carries, I was referring to this specific situation. Yes, the cops were wrong. But this group was essentially a planned protest, and that's why I say they were trolling for the result they eventually got.

FYI, I have participated in several open carry events. Just not in Florida. And yes, we were trolling to bring attention to the issue.

Sounds more like your the troll. Others here in FLORIDA are just following the law and doing exactly what we are allowed to do. Further more, who are you to decide who has a right to open carry and where.

You by your own words sound like the troll. By dictating the law to us and deciding what rights we have. Plus judging us for following the laws.

It's people like you by your admissions thst give people like us a bad rep. By the highlighted statement above. Then you judge us for doing it. You are a joke and you simple state you did it as above does not prove anything.

Your actions could have been done as a anti open carry statement to prove how stupid of an idea it is in your view point, as you've ALREADY POINTED OUT IT IS. SO YOUR ACTIONS ABOVE WERE DONE AS AN ANTI OPEN CARRY MOVEMENT.

You contraindicated yourself in those two statements aboves.

So if myself and 3 buddies go fishing it's wrong to open carry because we are making a statement not simply just following the law. THAT IS ABOUT THE STUPIDEST THING I'VE EVER HEARD AND AN ANTI OPEN CARRY STATEMENT.

So how long have you been trolling gun sites for the liberals

[Deputydave]

Looks like a bunch of professional trolls finally got what they wanted.

There is a distinct difference between trolling and the exercising of rights. This group was exercising their rights. The police were wrong and uneducated in the law as well as Civil and Constitutional rights. As a result they will end up paying. They may want to ask Tampa PD about that.

[Firemedic2000]

Looks like a bunch of professional trolls finally got what they wanted.

There is a distinct difference between trolling and the exercising of rights. This group was exercising their rights. The police were wrong and uneducated in the law as well as Civil and Constitutional rights. As a result they will end up paying. They may want to ask Tampa PD about that.

Great statement deputydave.

My brother who is a deputy and I were fishing and camping at Sebastian inlet. We open carried the entire time we were there. No one said anything. Plus one night while fishing on the north end of the bridge on the carwalk under the bridge. We were the only ones out that night. It was a week night.

We noticed a group of about 4 Mexicans after midnight. Walking towards us. They were looking straight at us and you can sense they did not have fishing on their mind. Because they stood down by the stairs for several minutes watching us before they decided to come towards us.

My brother was in the 2nd RANGER BATT WHILE I was in the 1st.

He and I turned towards them to look at them. They all saw the sidearms at the same time apparently.

Because they all stopped at the same time stared at our hips, not our faces. Turned went back got into a car and left. Open carry can deter crime also. I bet you if they had not saw the weapons it could have turned out differently. For them anyways because we were ready and trained to handle fools like that.

We'd heard of robberies happening at Sebastian inlet.

Now even I would not open carry every place. There is such a thing as element of surprise.

[Deputydave]

It's amazing what the proper show of force can accomplish. Glad that situation worked out favorably for you both. I was in uniform but driving my POV a few years ago. A guy went road rage on me and actually stopped his truck in the middle of the road to block me. He didn't know beforehand but quickly found out I was a Deputy when we both stepped out of our vehicles. It was a bad day for him. But it did make me wonder what would have happened if I had been off-duty and wearing my usual T-shirt and shorts?

As far as open carry, I want it in Florida. Not because I would necessarily open carry but I'm a big believer in the 2A and don't like it limited haphazardly simply because some in the public are uneducated on their rights. Or because some in politics cave to the mouse.

I think open carry sparks the holster industry a bit as well.

[Skoll]

It's amazing what the proper show of force can accomplish. Glad that situation worked out favorably for you both. I was in uniform but driving my POV a few years ago. A guy went road rage on me and actually stopped his truck in the middle of the road to block me. He didn't know beforehand but quickly found out I was a Deputy when we both stepped out of our vehicles. It was a bad day for him. But it did make me wonder what would have happened if I had been off-duty and wearing my usual T-shirt and shorts?

As far as open carry, I want it in Florida. Not because I would necessarily open carry but I'm a big believer in the 2A and don't like it limited haphazardly simply because some in the public are uneducated on their rights. Or because some in politics cave to the mouse.

I think open carry sparks the holster industry a bit as well.

I legitimately think if more police and their higher ups were like you, we wouldn't have a lot of issues and perceptions with them today that we do.

[REDinFL]

Agree with Deputy Dave and Skoll. A lot of things would be better.

[Deputydave]

The issue I see with L.E. is that most understand their authority but not their responsibilities. For example, Sheriff's Offices are the only L.E. agencies set up by Constitutional authority. All other entities are set up my Federal, State or local statute to include FBI, Police departments, etc. Which means your county S.O. should be the first line of defense to protect Constitutional rights. This is why so many Sheriff's have gone on record stating they will not enforce gun laws enacted by an out-of-control H.O.R. Some have gone as far as stating they would arrest Federal agents attempting to confiscate weapons unlawfully. That's the way it should be.

Not all Sheriff's, Chief's or line staff feel that way obviously. But it is a duty due to the oath of office taken. And if they aren't abiding by that oath it's time for the citizens of that county or city to get involved. Voting is one way. Letters to your Representative is another. Simply being involved.

There is a group in several open carry states. Called something like 2nd on the 2nd. These folks open carry on the 2nd of each month, even if they don't normally to demonstrate their 2A rights. Some have a card or flyers printed up they can pass out as an educational tool to fellow citizens that contain stats on reduced crime due to armed citizens as well as citizens rights. Far more effective approach to changing attitudes.

When citizens know their rights, and exercise them in a responsible manner, and educate their fellow citizens and get involved in politics a lot can be accomplished. The left aka Socialist/Communist wants an uneducated population. And uneducated population is disarmed long before their guns are taken away.

[P5 Guy]

As far as open carry, I want it in Florida. Not because I would necessarily open carry but I'm a big believer in the 2A

When the StPete Police Pistol Club was open to the public, Some retired and off duty were Being around the table and the open carry topic came up. Now this was about ten years ago so maybe attitudes have changed, but to a man the LOEs were all solidly against. I remember one retired said something to the effect "You civilians have concealed carry what more do you want?" Another chipped in about scaring the tourists.
I was very disappointed by the response but not being a member of the police I just finished packing and left.
Now as you know the anti gun mayor and Chief have closed the range to the public.