JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A new lawsuit claims people who were legally carrying firearms were denied entry or threatened with trespass at city-owned venues in Jacksonville.
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’t enforce their own restrictions through venue policies.
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What the lawsuit alleges
In the lawsuit, the plaintiffs describe what they call “local firearm restrictions at Jacksonville venues.” The complaint also alleges those restrictions can be written or unwritten, describing them as venue-admission rules, directives, or recurring enforcement practices.
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.
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.
The lawsuit also alleges that, in multiple incidents, uniformed law enforcement was involved and that the enforcement described was not a one-time misunderstanding.
What the city and JSO say
News4JAX asked both the City of Jacksonville and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office who sets firearm rules at city-owned venues and what guidance officers and security are following.
In response, a City of Jacksonville spokesperson said:
“We can’t comment other than to confirm that both the Sheriff’s Office and the city have been served with a lawsuit related to firearms at city owned venues.”
JSO told News4JAX:
“We would be unable to comment on pending litigation. You would need to reach out to the Office of General Council for information on this.”
Recent history of gun controversy
The venue lawsuit comes after a separate, high-profile controversy involving logbooks kept at City Hall and the Yates Building that recorded personal information and firearm details of people entering while legally carrying.
A State Attorney’s Office investigation memo previously said investigators found no criminal intent in the creation of those logbooks and concluded the directive originated with a Public Works manager and was not reviewed or approved by senior officials.
The dispute did not end there.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier later sued the City of Jacksonville, seeking a $5 million fine under state law.
In a prior statement, Uthmeier said:
“We are requesting judgment against the City of Jacksonville for $5 million as provided by law and any other relief the court deems appropriate. The Second Amendment is not a second-class right, and we will use all power of this office to protect the rights of Floridians.”
What happens next
The new venue lawsuit asks a judge to block enforcement of the policies being challenged and to declare them invalid under Florida law.
News4JAX will continue to follow this story and bring updates when they become available.
