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Florida Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence

Coalition urges unused funds be used for hiring SROs

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Broad Coalition of Organizations Call on Florida Joint Legislative
Budget Commission to Re-Allocate Unused Funds from Coach
Aaron Feis Guardian Program to Hire School Resource Officers

In light of recent information that $58 million dollars remains in the Coach Aaron Feis Guardian Program fund that will go unused if not reallocated, the Florida Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence and education partners call on the Joint Legislative Budget Commission to agree to disburse these funds for districts to hire School Resource Officers (SROs) when they meet on September 14th. [Read more…] about Coalition urges unused funds be used for hiring SROs

Coalition Responds to Sec. DeVos Considering Arming Teachers

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In response to reports on Wednesday that U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos is considering allowing federal funding to be used to purchase guns for teachers, the Florida Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence strongly opposes this dangerous and misguided proposal. [Read more…] about Coalition Responds to Sec. DeVos Considering Arming Teachers

Survivors, Community Leaders Rally for Action 2 Years After Orlando Attack

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MEDIA ADVISORY

Activists highlight gun safety, LGBTQ+ equality, and
survivor resources in wake of political inaction

Pulse and Parkland survivors will join with grassroots organizations, community and faith leaders, and Orlando March For Our Lives students to demand action from political leaders to end the epidemic of gun violence, reject NRA influence, and address the forgotten needs of the community two years after a horrific mass shooting at an LGBTQ+ nightclub on Latin Night in Orlando left 49 people dead.

612 days passed between Pulse and Parkland while Governor Rick Scott did nothing to reduce gun violence. His promise to take executive action to protect LGBTQ+ state workers from discrimination was broken and mental health funding for Central Florida was slashed.

Two years later, we renew our calls to #HonorThemWithAction through advocacy and political activism to ensure all communities, including the most marginalized, are kept safe from gun violence and that the memories of those taken by the epidemic of gun violence are never forgotten.

WHO: Rally Organizer: Brandon Wolf, Pulse survivor, No NRA Money national spokesperson

Participating Organizations:

The Campaign To Keep Guns Off Campus, Equality Florida, Faith In Public Life, Florida Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence, Florida PTA, Gays Against Guns, March for Our Lives Orlando, Moms Demand Action, No NRA Money, QLatinx

Speakers to include:

Brandon Wolf, Pulse Survivor and No NRA Money Spokesperson
Aly Justice, M4OL – Orlando
Maria and Fred Wright, Parents of Pulse Victim Jerald Wright
Daniel Duff, Parkland Survivor, M4OL
Diego Pfeiffer, Parkland Survivor, M4OL
Ishmael K. Perez, QLatinx
Terri Steed, Joy Metropolitan Community Church

WHEN: Monday, June 11th 6:00PM – 7:30PM

WHERE: Orlando City Hall

RSVP: Credentialed members of the media who would like to attend should RSVP to [email protected]

SOCIAL MEDIA HASHTAGS: #forthe49, #honorthemwithaction, #noNRAmoney

Florida Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence Statement on Senate Bill 7026

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As the Senate is poised to vote on SB 7026 (School Safety Bill), we remain opposed to any policy that will arm administrators, teachers, or staff as a way to defend against a mass shooting. While SB 7026 does contain certain important provisions, arming people in our schools that are not School Resource Officers (SROs), whose ONLY job is to protect the school, will not properly protect our schools and will ultimately cost more money in the long run.
We call on the Senate to strip any plan that will arm administrators, teachers, or staff before sending a bill to the House. If the Senate fails to act as we have outlined, we call on the House to fully debate SB 7026 and fully remove provisions arming teachers, administrators, or staff.
The issues are too grave and the stakes too high not to fully debate all issues related to school safety in Florida.

Coalition Response to Proposed Gun Legislation Packages

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The Florida Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence and League of Women Voters of Florida appreciate that Gov. Rick Scott and state legislators are addressing gun reform in the wake of another massacre in our state.
However, we have serious concerns regarding their proposals and offer to meet with Gov. Scott and incoming Senate President Bill Galvano to discuss better ways to move toward meaningful gun safety measures.
  • We do not support a three-day waiting period before someone can purchase a semiautomatic assault rifle. 
  • We do not believe raising the age for buying a semiautomatic assault rifle from 18 to 21 years of age goes far enough.
These two courses of action do not address our goal — and students’ pleas — of banning the sale of semiautomatic assault weapons and high-capacity magazines in Florida. And it’s important to remember that in many mass shootings committed with these killing machines — Aurora, San Bernardino, Pulse, Las Vegas, Sutherland Springs — the murderers were well over the age of 21.
“While we applaud our lawmakers for addressing the need for policy changes in the wake of the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, we believe the proposals do not go far enough,” said Patricia Brigham, Co-Chair of the Florida Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence and 1st Vice President of the League of Women Voters of Florida. “Raising the age limit to 21 to purchase a rifle in Florida does not address the main problem: semiautomatic assault weapons. Many recent mass shooters were over the age of 21 when they wreaked havoc, death, and destruction. The Pulse shooter was 29. The Las Vegas shooter was 64. The list goes on. The fact is we need a ban on semiautomatic assault weapons and large-capacity magazines. Anything less is woefully inadequate.”
“We heard many proposals today from the Governor and legislative leaders that they strongly felt would address school safety in Florida,” said Andy Pelosi, Executive Director of the Campaign to Keep Guns Off Campus and Co-Chair of the Florida Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence. “However, the common denominator in mass shootings was noticeably absent — taking large-capacity magazines and assault weapons off our streets.”
Joe Saunders, Senior Political Director of Equality Florida, takes issue with the Governor’s assertion that gun safety advocates are calling for a mass takeaway of 2nd Amendment rights for all Americans. “That is a gross misrepresentation of the students from Parkland, survivors of Pulse, and this Coalition,” he said. “The vast majority of Americans believe if you’re purchasing a firearm you should be subject to a background check, without exception, and the vast majority believe assault rifles have no place in the hands of civilians. These packages are incomplete until those common sense policies are included.”
Forensic psychiatrist Dr. Julie Kessel added, “We need more mental health services available to those in distress, and I applaud that intervention. However, projecting blame onto those with mental illness will have no meaningful impact on mass shootings. People with serious mental illness are far more likely to be the victim of violence rather than the cause of it.”
In addition to calls for enacting a ban on semiautomatic assault weapons in Florida, the Coalition has the following reaction to proposals heard today:
  • We ask that our Legislature expand the scope of background checks to include private sales.
  • We support removing weapons from domestic violence abusers and banning those with restraining orders from purchasing a firearm.
  • We are strongly opposed to any arming of teachers. They do not have the tactical training to respond to an active shooter, nor should they be expected to undergo such training. We applaud Gov. Scott for taking this position as well.
“The Florida PTA believes the safest day-to-day school climate to be gun-free. Only actively trained law enforcement officers should be allowed to carry guns on our school campuses. Our sole purpose should be to educate our youth,” said Angie Gallo, Legislation Chair of the Florida PTA.
The Florida Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence was created by the League of Women Voters of Florida after the Pulse shooting to promote smart gun legislation. It has grown to include more than 120 local, state, and national organizations and includes such diverse groups as the Hispanic Federation, Florida PTA, Equality Florida, the Interfaith Council of Central Florida, Anti-Defamation League, and Doctors for America.

Students Lead the Cry at Rally by Florida Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence, LWVFL

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Students led the cry demanding gun law reform at a Wednesday afternoon rally in Tallahassee, as thousands gathered in support at the Historic Florida Capitol. Hosted by the Florida Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence and the League of Women Voters of Florida, the young people raised up their voices with intelligence and grace just one week after 17 people were killed at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School by a 19-year-old using a military-style assault weapon.
“The League of Women Voters of Florida is honored to stand with these courageous, passionate, and fierce students and this movement for safe gun legislation in Florida,” said Pamela Goodman, president of the state League. “We support their call for a ban on assault weapons in our state and vow to speak to every legislator in every office, committee, and session until our officials adjourn in 2½ weeks. Hear the bills, debate them, and pass them.”
Patricia Brigham, co-chair of the Coalition and 1st vice president of the Florida League agreed. “Today we heard the voices of our future voters. Through the students of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and the many others who rallied by the thousands at the Capitol, we are seeing the tide turn toward responsible gun reform before our eyes. Our students are leading the way.”
For the past two legislative sessions, the Coalition and League have supported a ban on the sale of military-style assault weapons and large-capacity magazines.

Florida Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence, LWV to Hold Rally To Ban Assault Weapons

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In the wake of yet another horrific massacre in our state and as students’ outraged voices join the growing cry demanding action, the Florida Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence and the League of Women Voters of Florida are holding a Rally to Support Gun Safety Reform at noon today on the steps of the Historic Florida Capitol.
Since planning the rally, the actions of many of our state legislators have dramatically demonstrated why voices must be raised. As the country – and in fact, the world – watched, the Florida House of Representatives defeated a move to debate a ban on assault weapons on Tuesday, just days after the shooting. Also watching in person from the gallery: Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School students.
“First, they were witnesses to the murders of their friends and then they were witnesses to a shocking vote by their elected officials,” said Patricia Brigham, Coalition co-chair and 1st vice president of the state League. “You could hear them sobbing as a contingency of legislators proved they care more about the gun lobby than the lives of our children.”
For the past two legislative sessions, the Coalition and League have supported a ban on the sale of military-style assault weapons and large-capacity magazines.
Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith and Sen. Linda Stewart have introduced bills calling for these bans, but neither have been placed on their legislative committees’ agenda to be heard.
At today’s rally, dozens of students, many who have spoken passionately and eloquently in recent days, will lead the charge for meaningful change. Afterward, petitions that contain thousands of signatures calling for the assault weapon and large-capacity magazine bans will be delivered to Gov. Rick Scott.
 “We demand these bills be heard – and passed,” said Brigham. “What possible argument can be made that legislation designed to loosen gun laws get a full airing year after year, while smart gun safety bills languish? Our legislators are literally allowing our residents – our children – to be slaughtered.”
The fact that the 19-year-old who killed 17 at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School last week legally bought the AR-15 rifle he used for the premeditated murders should be catalyst enough to move our legislators to action.
“After the latest horrific tragedy in Parkland, Gov. Scott and the Florida Legislature must act now to ban military-style assault weapons and large-capacity magazines,” said Andy Pelosi, co-chair of the Coalition and director of The Campaign to Keep Guns Off Campus. “Our students and staff need to know that they are safe. The time for action is now.”
The rally will include a number of speakers, including students, Sen. Gary Farmer, Rep. Smith, Angie Gallo of Florida PTA, Brigham, and the Rev. Joe Parramore.
The Florida Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence was created by the League of Women Voters of Florida after the Pulse shooting to promote smart gun legislation. It has grown to include more than 120 local, state, and national organizations and includes such diverse groups as the Hispanic Federation, the Florida PTA, Equality Florida, the Interfaith Council of Central Florida, and Doctors for America.

Florida Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence, LWV to Hold Rally To Ban Assault Weapons

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In the wake of yet another horrific massacre in our state and as students’ outraged voices join the growing cry demanding action, the Florida Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence and the League of Women Voters of Florida are holding a Rally To Support Gun Safety Reform at noon on Wednesday, Feb. 21 on the steps of the Historic Florida Capitol.

For the past two legislative sessions, the Coalition and League have supported a ban on the sale of military-style assault weapons and large-capacity magazines.

Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith and Sen. Linda Stewart have introduced bills calling for these bans, but neither have been placed on their legislative committees’ agenda to be heard.

At Wednesday’s rally, dozens of students, many who have spoken passionately and eloquently in recent days, will lead the charge for meaningful change. Afterward, petitions that contain thousands of signatures calling for the assault weapon and large-capacity magazine bans will be delivered to Gov. Rick Scott, Senate President Joe Negron, and House Speaker Richard Corcoran.

“We demand these bills be heard – and passed,” said Patricia Brigham, Coalition co-chair and 1st vice president of the state League. “What possible argument can be made that legislation designed to loosen gun laws get a full airing year after year, while smart gun safety bills languish? Our legislators are literally allowing our residents – our children – to be slaughtered.”

The fact that the 19-year-old who killed 17 at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School last week legally bought the AR-15 rifle he used for the premeditated murders should be catalyst enough to move our legislators to action.

“After the latest horrific tragedy in Parkland, Gov. Scott and the Florida Legislature must act now to ban military-style assault weapons and large-capacity magazines,” said Andy Pelosi, co-chair of the Coalition and director of The Campaign to Keep Guns Off Campus. “Our students and staff need to know that they are safe. The time for action is now.”

The rally will include a number of speakers, including students, Sen. Gary Farmer, Rep. Smith, Angie Gallo of Florida PTA, Brigham, and the Rev. Joe Parramore.

The Florida Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence was created by the League of Women Voters of Florida after the Pulse shooting to promote smart gun legislation. It has grown to include more than 120 local, state, and national organizations and includes such diverse groups as the Hispanic Federation, the Florida PTA, Equality Florida, the Interfaith Council of Central Florida, and Doctors for America.

Statement on Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Shooting

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As Floridians continue to grapple with the massacres at the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando and the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, our state is mourning yet another mass shooting, this time at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Broward County. At least 17 people have died, while many others have been injured. Our thoughts are with the Parkland community and those families forever impacted by today’s unspeakable tragedy.
The shooter, now in custody, was reportedly a former student who apparently chose an AR-15 semi-automatic assault rifle to use as his weapon. These types of weapons have been used in mass shootings again and again, including Aurora, Colorado; Newtown, Connecticut; San Bernardino, California; Orlando, Florida; Sutherland Springs, Texas; and Las Vegas, Nevada. Right now, the Florida Legislature has before it legislation to ban military-style assault weapons and high capacity magazines but has failed to act.
This shooting is further proof that semiautomatic weapons do not belong in the hands of civilians. They are weapons of mass destruction. The Florida Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence and the League of Women Voters of Florida call upon our Legislature currently in Session to hear and pass the ban on assault weapons — HB 219 and SB 196.
Our hearts break for the young lives that were ripped away in a senseless and all-too-common act of brutality. The Florida Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence is committed to fighting for smart, responsible gun legislation. The federal government will not change these laws; the state of Florida can and should protect its citizens, and most importantly its children.

More Than a Dozen People Share Heartfelt Testimonials in Florida Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence Videos

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As our community continues to recover from the Pulse nightclub massacre and the nation reels from yet another fatal school shooting, the Florida Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence is rolling out a series of gun safety public service announcements.
The Coalition will begin sharing more than a dozen short videos today featuring heartfelt testimonials that highlight the need for common sense gun laws, including a state ban on military-style assault weapons.
“So often the conversation promoting dangerous gun legislation is based on incorrect, unreliable, and outright dishonest information,” said Patricia Brigham, Coalition co-chair and 1st vice president of the League of Women Voters of Florida. “The Coalition’s goal is to separate fact from fiction to save ourselves from a dangerous gun culture that is literally killing us.”
Among those speaking of their personal pain, deep-felt beliefs, and law enforcement experience in the videos are Pulse survivor Chris Hansen; Mayra Alvear, whose daughter was killed at Pulse; David Barden, whose young nephew was killed at Sandy Hook Elementary; Dr. Marcus Levy, pediatric surgeon; the Rev. Bryan Fulwider; Charles Davis, gun owner and Vietnam veteran; and retired Orange County Sheriff’s Deputy Jim Verity.
Brigham and Carol Davis, co-presidents of the Orange County League of Women Voters, are also featured.
“These factual videos continue to shine a light on the reality of safe gun legislation needed in Florida and our country,” said Pamela Goodman, president of the League of Women Voters of Florida. “We are thankful for the voices of these people and are empowered to spread their voices to our lawmakers.”
The rollout comes as Florida legislators are considering proposed gun bills that include allowing firearms to be brought into places of worship and weakening the concealed weapons background check system. It also coincides with the release of “49 Pulses,” a documentary that shares survivors’ stories.
As the Coalition releases the videos on social media, it asks those who watch to share them with their family and friends, tell their own stories of how gun violence has affected their lives, educate themselves further at preventgunviolenceflorida.org, and contact their legislators.
Some videos have been posted to the Florida Coalition To Prevent Gun Violence and
Facebook pages and Twitter feeds. In the coming days, versions will appear on both
organizations’ Instagram accounts.
“We are very excited to launch this series of informative and compelling videos across the state with the intent of driving people to take action to reduce gun violence,” said Andy Pelosi, Coalition co-chair and director of The Campaign to Keep Guns off Campus.”
The Florida Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence was created by the League of Women Voters of Florida after the Pulse shooting to promote smart gun legislation. It has grown to include more than 120 local, state and national organizations and includes such diverse groups as the Hispanic Federation, the Florida PTA, Equality Florida, the Interfaith Council of Central Florida, and Doctors for America.