News Summary
Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan faces serious allegations regarding an illegal firearm registry maintained by the city. Councilman Nick Howland claims that this registry, potentially violating state and federal laws, has existed for nearly two years. Former Mayor Lenny Curry warns of possible lawsuits for taxpayers if the allegations are substantiated. The Deegan administration maintains that any related policy predates her term and affirms compliance with legal inquiries. A meeting on May 5 is set to address these claims, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability.
Jacksonville – The office of Mayor Donna Deegan responded to allegations concerning an illegal firearm registry allegedly maintained by the city. These claims, primarily raised by Councilman Nick Howland, assert that such a registry has existed at City Hall and the Yates Building for nearly two years, potentially violating state law and the United States Constitution.
According to Howland, Florida’s laws prohibit the maintenance of any registry related to private firearm ownership. He expressed concerns that the Deegan administration’s actions could lead to significant legal liabilities for taxpayers and the city itself. Former Mayor Lenny Curry emphasized that if the allegations hold true, Jacksonville and its taxpayers may face the risk of lawsuits.
The controversy stems from a report by a member of Florida Carry, a non-profit organization that advocates for gun rights. This individual initially brought the issue of the alleged registry to light, prompting further scrutiny from local officials.
Howland detailed that since Deegan’s administration took office in July 2023, there have been records documenting individuals carrying legally owned firearms into municipal buildings. In response to these allegations, the Deegan administration stated that any questioned firearm registry policy was established before her term commenced. Furthermore, her office affirmed its commitment to constitutional rights and indicated compliance with a subpoena issued by the State Attorney’s Office, although the State Attorney’s Office itself has not confirmed whether an investigation is ongoing.
Public records indicate that discussions regarding Florida’s new permitless carry law began shortly after Deegan took office, coinciding with the timeline of the alleged registry. Councilmember Matt Carlucci urged caution and thorough consideration before drawing conclusions regarding these serious allegations.
To address the claims in a formal setting, Councilman Howland has requested that representatives from the Mayor’s Office, the Office of General Counsel, and Public Works attend the upcoming Rules Committee meeting on May 5 to discuss the situation further. This meeting aims to provide clarity and transparency regarding the directive purportedly responsible for the alleged registry.
Should the allegations be substantiated, the consequences could be severe. Violations of the state’s firearm registry law can result in penalties reaching up to $5 million and carry the potential for criminal charges. Therefore, there is a heightened emphasis on transparency and accountability regarding who initiated the directive for the supposed registry.
If found to be accurate, these reports about the illegal tracking of gun carriers could jeopardize Jacksonville’s credibility and erode public trust in city governance, as highlighted by Curry. The unfolding situation continues to draw attention as city officials work to investigate these serious claims and their implications comprehensively.
As the investigation develops, it remains critical for the Deegan administration to provide definitive answers regarding the allegations in order to reassure the public that their constitutional rights are upheld and that taxpayer dollars are protected from potential liabilities.
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Additional Resources
- First Coast News
- Jacksonville.com
- News4Jax
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun Control
- Action News Jax
- Google Search: Jacksonville gun registry
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
