JACKSONVILLE, Fla. \u2013 A new lawsuit claims people who were legally carrying firearms were denied entry or threatened with trespass at city-owned venues in Jacksonville.<\/p>\n
The complaint, filed by gun rights organizations FLORIDA CARRY, INC., GUN OWNERS OF AMERICA, GUN OWNERS FOUNDATION and several individuals, names the City of Jacksonville, Sheriff T.K. Waters, and Mayor Donna Deegan. The plaintiffs argue Florida law largely leaves firearm regulation to the state and that local governments can\u2019t enforce their own restrictions through venue policies.<\/p>\n
What the lawsuit alleges<\/p>\n
In the lawsuit, the plaintiffs describe what they call \u201clocal firearm restrictions at Jacksonville venues.\u201d The complaint also alleges those restrictions can be written or unwritten, describing them as venue-admission rules, directives, or recurring enforcement practices.<\/p>\n
The lawsuit points to city-owned venues including EverBank Stadium (for a non-athletic event), the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts and the Florida Theatre Building.<\/p>\n
The plaintiffs claim that at the time of the incidents described, the individuals involved were legally carrying firearms, but were still denied entry, told to disarm, or threatened with trespass.<\/p>\n
The lawsuit also alleges that, in multiple incidents, uniformed law enforcement was involved and that the enforcement described was not a one-time misunderstanding.<\/p>\n
What the city and JSO say<\/p>\n
News4JAX asked both the City of Jacksonville and the Jacksonville Sheriff\u2019s Office who sets firearm rules at city-owned venues and what guidance officers and security are following.<\/p>\n
In response, a City of Jacksonville spokesperson said:<\/p>\n
\u201cWe can\u2019t comment other than to confirm that both the Sheriff\u2019s Office and the city have been served with a lawsuit related to firearms at city owned venues.\u201d<\/p>\n
JSO told News4JAX:<\/p>\n
\u201cWe would be unable to comment on pending litigation. You would need to reach out to the Office of General Council for information on this.\u201d<\/p>\n
Recent history of gun controversy<\/p>\n
The venue lawsuit comes after a separate, high-profile controversy involving logbooks kept at City Hall and the Yates Building<\/a> that recorded personal information and firearm details of people entering while legally carrying.<\/p>\n