Natural disasters bring out the best and worst in people. We often notice an outpouring of humanity from our neighbors during times of need in the form of life-saving food, water, and other supplies. Storm Helene destroyed property and took lives, but the national community rushed to the aid of those who suffered the devastating consequences of the raging hurricane. Unfortunately, during these times we can be subject to a much different element of society, including people who may feel emboldened to take advantage of those in distress when they are most vulnerable. This is when the ability to keep and bear arms is most important. Many would argue that an intended effort to disarm people in their greatest time of need, such as a storm like Helene, would be the most dangerous and inhumane act of all, possibly even contemptuous and worthy of legal consequence.
According to a public notice, announcing a local state of emergency in the City of Okeechobee, Florida, the city has declared that the 2nd Amendment be suspended indefinitely due to Hurricane Helene. The City Council passed an ordinance making the Chief of Police the Emergency Management Officer, and Chief of Police Donald C. Hagan II enacted the ordinance, putting a ban on firearm possession in place for Sept 26th and 27th. The ban allowed an extension based on “operational conditions.”
It would appear the Okeechobee City Council members and Chief Hagan have decided that they know best for everyone in the city, and they will decide what rights the citizens of Okeechobee will be allowed to have. Apparently, the 2nd Amendment can be turned on or off depending on how it suits the elected city employees.
The ban included the sale of any firearms or ammunition, the intentional display by any gun shops of any ammunition or guns, and the possession in a public place of a firearm by any person other than authorized law enforcement.
Well, as you would expect, the ordinance was illegal, and the gun rights group Florida Carry sent a letter to the Okeechobee City Council and Chief Hagan with the warning that they violated Florida’s powerful preemption statute which only allows the State Legislature to regulate firearms. Florida Carry also reminded Hagan that any public official who violates the preemption statute can be removed from office and personally fined up to $5,000. Florida Carry General Counsel Eric Friday also demanded a fee of $30,000 from the Florida tyrants for damages and attorney fees to resolve the matter prior to litigation. This is why I like these Florida Carry Guys.
After speaking with Eric Friday from Florida Carry, it was clear that the gun rights group will be having none of the unconstitutional violations the city is attempting to impose on residents and will not shy from reminding them of their Constitutional boundaries. Friday said, “Florida Carry will hold any government official who violates the right to bear arms responsible for their conduct.”
Apparently, Governor DeSantis became aware of this situation in Okeechobee and has since added a requirement in Executive Order Number 24-214 (Emergency Management-Tropical Storm Milton) to prevent another similar government overreach from occurring again. The following was added to the latest Emergency Management Notice: The State Coordinating Officer shall not have the authority to suspend or limit the sale, dispensing, or transportation of firearms pursuant to section 252.36(6)(h), Florida Statutes.
Our Founding Fathers wrote the 2nd Amendment to remind those who might try to disarm others of their limitations. It often takes people like Eric Friday and Florida Carry to give them gentle reminders from time to time. Keep up the great work Guys!
The 2nd Amendment is not a privilege. It’s your right.
