PENSACOLA, FL (December 5, 2019) – As reported by www.northescambia.com, the Protect Pensacola joint gun task force, which includes, among other local, state, and federal agencies, the City of Pensacola, the Pensacola Police Department, and the United States Attorney’s Office, made 117 arrests for firearms, weapons and violent crimes in a matter of 90 days.

The Protect Pensacola joint gun task force is an expansive operation that worked together to arrest 117 individuals on mostly felony charges, including, among others, assault, robbery, and harboring fugitives, all within a 90-day window. The Mayor of the City of Pensacola is satisfied with the task force’s success, stating “[w]e are incredibly proud of the partnerships and hard work that went into making this joint task force a success, and we are grateful for the willingness of our federal, state and local partners to assist us in tackling gun violence in our city.”

The Mayor of Pensacola goes on to state that the City’s work is not yet finished and that “we will continue to work in partnership with the DEA, U.S. Marshals, ATF and all of our law enforcement partners to apprehend dangerous criminals and keep residents safe.”

The Protect Pensacola task force reportedly sought to make additional arrests in relation to the deadly shooting of a woman on May 27, 2019, near the Platinum Club in Pensacola. A fourth arrest in relation to the deadly shooting was made on October 22, 2019, by the United States Marshals Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force. The individual was arrested pursuant to a warrant and faces charges of felony murder, attempted murder, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and shooting a deadly missile into a dwelling or vehicle.

Weapons and Firearms Charges Under Florida Law

There are many weapons and firearms charges in Florida that can lead to a substantial amount of jail time. Some of the more common weapons and firearms charges in Florida include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Carrying a Concealed Weapon – Under Florida Statute Section 790.01(1), it is unlawful to carry a concealed weapon or electric weapon or device without a license pursuant to Section 790.06. A person found guilty of this crime faces a first-degree misdemeanor and potential jail time for up to one year.
  • Carrying a Concealed Firearm – Under Florida Statute Section 790.01(2), it is unlawful to carry a concealed firearm without a license pursuant to Section 790.06. A person found guilty of this crime faces a third-degree felony and potential jail time for up to five years.Improper Exhibition of a
  • Dangerous Weapon or Firearm – Under Florida Statute Section 790.10, it is unlawful for a person to exhibit or brandish any dirk, sword, sword cane, firearm, electric weapon or device, or other weapon in the presence of one or more persons, and do so in a rude, careless, angry, or threatening manner, and not in an act of self-defense. A person found guilty of this crime faces a first-degree misdemeanor and potential jail time for up to one year.
  • Possession of Firearm by Convicted Felon – Under Florida Statute Section 790.23, it is unlawful for a person to own or have in his or her care, custody, possession, or control of any firearm, ammunition, or electric weapon or device, or to carry a concealed weapon, including a tear gas gun or chemical weapon or device if that person has been convicted of a felony. A person found guilty of this crime faces a second-degree felony and potential jail time for up to fifteen years.