Tallahassee the new Wild Wild West

 According to the Tallahassee Democrat's data central analysis, there have been 70 shootings this year, resulting in 19 deaths and 56 injuries. Floridians' right to carry a concealed weapon without a permit law was signed on July 1st, 2023, by Governor Ron DeSantis, creating controversial feelings throughout the state. 

 

Parents Perspective

 

Xavier Smith, a 24-year-old father of two, moved to Tallahassee, Florida, to escape the violence of Boynton, West Palm Beach, Florida. When he arrived, he found the neighborhood where he stayed was similar to his hometown. The crime rate was very high living on Holton Street (Southside). Within his time in Tallahassee, Smith has lost three friends to gun violence.

“ I have a fear of my children going to school or my wife being out because I know how instantly things can go bad, said Smith,”

 

Smith explains that as a black man with a black family, this becomes his fear daily. Xavier explains he doesn’t support Florida’s new gun law but feels the need to carry to protect his family.

 

Larry O’Brian, a 52-year-old native of Tallahassee, Parkway, lives on the east side of Tallahassee near Apalachee Parkway. O’Brian’s experience starkly differs from Smith’s. O’Brian explains he has witnessed little to no violence and feels reasonably safe where he lives. When approached with questions concerning his opinion on Governor DeSantis' new gun law passed July 1st, 2023, allowing citizens of Florida to carry firearms without a license, O’Brian replied

“I believe it’s a good thing. I think that if more people would start carrying, I think violence would go down. We might see a spike, to begin with, but once more people start carrying, soon the other people will go hold up.”

 

Students Perspective

 

Porsha Howell, a 23-year-old student of Tallahassee Community College, moved to Tallahassee from Winter Haven, Florida, on August 18, 2022. Howell originally lived in Torchlight Townhomes (The Capital Townhomes) and now rents an apartment in the Vertex. Howell explains,

 “There were two shootouts in Torchlight, and nothing was done about either situation.” As a result of one of the shootouts, Howell’s car had a bullet hole through the front light, and according to Howell, nothing was done about it. “ Tallahassee is not a safe place. In the day, I feel safe, but not at night.”

“The city should input a curfew, actually help when called, hold events that speak about gun violence and speak on people’s personal experience so more people can gain understanding, said Howell.”

Jazmen Skinner, a senior Food and Nutrition Science major at Florida State University, came to Tallahassee in 2020.

 “I grew up in Jacksonville, Florida. The crime rates in Jacksonville and Tallahassee go hand in hand. I've learned to leave certain parties after eleven p.m., said Skinner.”  Skinner explains she is indifferent to Governor DeSantis's law on guns; however, “  I've always wanted to have a mini little Glock to keep in my car just to say I have it, but I don't feel like I'll need it, said Skinner.”

 

Law Enforcement Speaks Out

 

The Leon County Sheriff's Department serves the city and county alongside the Tallahassee Police Department. According to WFSU news, in September alone, there have been two accidental fatal shootings of teenagers. There has also been a home invasion shooting earlier this week that left a man dead at the scene. In December of 2022, there was a mass shooting on Florida A&M University’s basketball court, leaving four dead. The shooting happened due to north and south side gangs. Sheriff Deputy Richard Ash II explains what has been going on in Tallahassee from his perspective. Regarding active shooting on college campuses, Deputy Ash said, 

“ There isn’t a particular protocol different from shooting anywhere in the county except for including campus police.”

Law enforcement attempts to solve cases in the County quickly. According to WCTV, on September 25th, 2023, John Darious Wright, 25, was seen shooting into the victim's house and then fired and hit a police officer. On September 26th, Wright was charged with the murder of a police officer and attempted murder of victims inside a home on Sandpiper Street during an invasion.

 “ In my opinion, drugs and gangs are the number one reason for most shootings. They are selling drugs or robbing people, said Deputy Ash.” 

The new Florida gun law has caused much controversy in the state. However, Deputy Ash states, “The new gun laws don't affect crime statistics because most shootings are from criminal activity.”

 

Conclusion

 

In Florida, a person can protect themselves by owning a gun and practicing self-defense if a situation arises. However, law enforcement’s primary job is to handle hostile situations. There are cases where people have lost their lives in gun accidents.

Earlier this month, a young girl in Tallahassee, age 17, lost her life to a friend holding a gun in the car while they were smoking. The gun went off and killed her instantly. It is the owner of the gun’s responsibility to decide if training to use the weapon is essential to them or not.  With much is given, much is required.