PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (CBS12) \u2014 Some residents in the Tradition neighborhood in Port St. Lucie are not happy with a letter they got.<\/p>\n
The letter dated May 11 from the Tradition Community Association says, “The Board has recently approved a rule regarding the carrying of weapons in Tradition Community Association Common areas. In essence, carrying of a firearm or other weapon, either openly or concealed, is not permitted in Tradition Community Association Common areas.” And it further says, “This rule applies even if you do have a ‘concealed carry’ license for your weapon.”<\/p>\n
Following the new ordinance from the HOA, the Port St. Lucie Police Department released a statement saying that the letter from the Tradition Community Association is not a law or directive that came down from its department. <\/p>\n
The statement continues: <\/p>\n
“The Port St. Lucie Police Department enforces Florida State Law – not private HOA policies or community association rules. PSLPD fully supports the constitutional rights afforded to all law-abiding citizens, including the rights protected under the Second Amendment. Responsible firearm ownership remains a protected right under both the United States Constitution and Florida law, and our officers will continue to uphold and protect those rights while enforcing the law fairly and impartially.” <\/p>\n
At least one gun owner who got this letter says it seems unfair, and she feels residents should’ve been notified this issue was going to be considered or discussed at a board meeting.<\/p>\n
“As gun owners ourselves we just felt like it was very subversive to do something like this behind everyone’s backs because it seems like no one had prior notice,” said Taylor Welsh, a gun owner who lives in Tradition. She feels the HOA is going too far. <\/p>\n
“While this is a safe community, we have seen an uptick in incidents around here where I would personally just feel better if I was allowed to still carry around the parks, the walking trails,” she said.<\/p>\n
“I don’t feel like they have the right to deny people the ability to carry their guns. There is a law that allows people to conceal or open carry at this point,” said Brandy Gray, a Port St. Lucie resident who was visiting Tradition.<\/p>\n