Explore The NRA Universe Of Websites

APPEARS IN Legal & Legislation

Answers Concerning Actions of Florida Sheriffs Association

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Date:     April 14, 2011
To:        USF & NRA Members and Friends
From:    Marion P. Hammer
             USF Executive Director 
             NRA Past President

Many of you have watched committee hearings on your computers or on the Florida Channel on TV when gun rights bills are being heard. 

We've had many, many calls and e-mails asking what is going on with the anti-gun activities of the Florida Sheriffs.

Pinellas County Sheriff Jim Coates did, in fact, tell legislators that if the concealed weapons license reform bill (SB 234 and HB 517) passed that law enforcement would be "drawing down" on license holders.  More than one tape of him making that statement can be found on youtube.com 

To view Sheriff Coats’ comments to the committee on youtube.com click here

Click here to view an article in the St. Petersburg Times that reported on the conduct of Sheriffs and Deputies in a recent committee hearing where they lobbied against gun owners. 

Excerpt:

"Law enforcement is going to start drawing their weapons and challenging these individuals, and something bad may very well happen," Coats testified. "I just ask that you take that into consideration."

And finally, an article by the Florida Open Carry group appears online at AMMOLAND.com that addresses these issues with candor.  The article is candid and revealing.  If you are at all concerned about the anti-gun owner activities by these sheriffs, the Youtube video and the two articles should answer your questions.
TRENDING NOW
HOA Firearm Clash Augurs a Broader Legal Debate

News  

Monday, June 1, 2026

HOA Firearm Clash Augurs a Broader Legal Debate

The fight to defend Second Amendment rights is not confined to Washington, D.C., or even to the halls of state capitals.

Virginia’s Semiauto Ban Hits Snag With County Enforcement Officials

News  

Monday, June 1, 2026

Virginia’s Semiauto Ban Hits Snag With County Enforcement Officials

While Virginia’s bans on “assault firearms” and magazines capable of holding more than 15 rounds was signed into law on May 14, and is scheduled to go into effect on July 1, it remains to be seen ...

New York:  Gov. Kathy Hochul Signs Gun Ban in State Budget Process

Wednesday, May 27, 2026

New York: Gov. Kathy Hochul Signs Gun Ban in State Budget Process

On Wednesday, May 27, Gov. Kathy Hochul signed S.9005C, which “enacts into law major components” of the state’s public protection and general government budget.

Yet Another Tragic Example of the False Promise of Red Flag Laws

News  

Thursday, May 28, 2026

Yet Another Tragic Example of the False Promise of Red Flag Laws

We’ve consistently highlighted the defects of “red flag” laws, the chief of which is the underlying philosophy that compelling removal of a person’s own firearms is a sufficient resolution of any risk or threat of harm.

NRA Files Lawsuit Challenging Post Office Carry Ban

Tuesday, May 26, 2026

NRA Files Lawsuit Challenging Post Office Carry Ban

The National Rifle Association, Gun Owners of America, Gun Owners Foundation, and three NRA members today filed a lawsuit challenging the federal prohibition on carrying firearms at United States Post Offices.

NRA Files Lawsuit Challenging Maryland’s Glock Ban

Wednesday, May 27, 2026

NRA Files Lawsuit Challenging Maryland’s Glock Ban

The National Rifle Association, Firearms Policy Coalition, and Second Amendment Foundation filed a lawsuit yesterday challenging Maryland’s ban on Glock and Glock-style handguns.

Department of Interior Announces Major Expansion for Hunters and Anglers

News  

Tuesday, May 26, 2026

Department of Interior Announces Major Expansion for Hunters and Anglers

This week, the Department of the Interior (DOI) announced it will be issuing a proposed rule that would result in the largest expansion of hunting and sport fishing opportunities in agency history.

Florida Attorney General, Law Enforcement Commissioner, and State Attorneys Agree Florida’s Waiting Period Law Violates the Second Amendment in NRA Challenge

Friday, June 5, 2026

Florida Attorney General, Law Enforcement Commissioner, and State Attorneys Agree Florida’s Waiting Period Law Violates the Second Amendment in NRA Challenge

Today, the parties in the National Rifle Association’s challenge to Florida’s firearm waiting period law jointly filed an Offer of Judgment asking the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida to declare the ...

Oregon: Initiative Petition 28 Threat to Hunting, Fishing, and Outdoor Heritage One Step Closer to Reality

Friday, May 29, 2026

Oregon: Initiative Petition 28 Threat to Hunting, Fishing, and Outdoor Heritage One Step Closer to Reality

The criminalization of hunting and fishing is one step closer to a reality in Oregon. 

Virginia: Circuit Court Injunction Halts Private Sale Background Checks in Virginia

Thursday, June 4, 2026

Virginia: Circuit Court Injunction Halts Private Sale Background Checks in Virginia

Yesterday, June 3rd, following a hearing on an earlier injunction and final order from the Lynchburg Circuit Court, the Virginia State Police posted a notice that private sale background checks were no longer required or ...

MORE TRENDING +
LESS TRENDING -

More Like This From Around The NRA

NRA ILA

Established in 1975, the Institute for Legislative Action (ILA) is the "lobbying" arm of the National Rifle Association of America. ILA is responsible for preserving the right of all law-abiding individuals in the legislative, political, and legal arenas, to purchase, possess and use firearms for legitimate purposes as guaranteed by the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.