http://www.baynews9.com/article/news/2011/july/274976/New-state-gun-law-may-impact-Lake-Wales
New state gun law may impact Lake Wales
LAKE WALES --
The American Legion post in Lake Wales believes a new state law hits the target and might just be the bull's-eye
shot that gets a gun range approved.
So far, city officials haven’t approved the proposed range off of South
9th Street, in the Lake Wales city limits. According to Lake Wales city rules, firearms aren't allowed to be discharged within
the city.
As a result, the city would have to have a special hearing for a gun range and the zoning of the property
where the American Legion wants the range may not allow a range without a zoning change.
Andy Anderson, with the American
Legion, wants the range to be a place for gun owners to shoot within the city. Anderson is a big believer in firearm safety
training.
"What better place to learn how to have a weapon than in a certified range," he said.
Anderson
said the new state law, House Bill 45, punishes municipalities if they have rules that violate state gun rights laws. City commissioners have asked the city's
attorney to study the law to see if it applies to current city rules.
Lake Wales City Commissioner John Paul Rogers
would like to see a gun range approved, but he also understands that city planners need to do what’s right when considering
the request for the range.
"They are very conscientious. They want to do what's right, what's within the city charter,
state statute and our zoning."
The city attorney is expected to report to commissioners in about a month on the
issue.
