Florida Sees Surge in Concealed Weapons Applications
July 25, 2012
Concealed weapon license applications are increasing by ten thousand a month in Florida.
It is Woman's Wednesday at one Wakulla County gun range. This week, there were two first-timers.
Says one local gun range visitor, Shalia Chinnery about her weapon: "It's to protect myself, learn to shoot it properly, the right way, and be safe."
In Florida, 952,000 people have a concealed weapons license.
The state is expected to become the first with a million permits by the end of the year.
Since a high-profile murder here three years ago, more than 1500 people have come through this range for a concealed weapons permit.
Nearly a thousand people have paid a yearly fee to join this range since the death of Sunday school teacher Cheryl Dunlop.
Says Freddie Bright, the gun range supervisor: "If it's you or them, I'd rather it be them."
What makes the range unique is that it's owned and operated by the local sheriff.
"It's the county's range, and the citizens of the county should be able to use it" says another gun range supervisor, Fred Nichols.
Cathy Watson, who is also a first-time user, says what see and everyone using the range has in common is the desire to protect themselves. "Things are just getting bad, and you just never know if you might end up having to use it."
Only half the range was in use by the women this Wednesday, but by the weekend it will be full.
The fee for a first time concealed weapons license in Florida is $112.00.
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