Commission orders status report on open‑carry law; asks staff for employee guidance and security options

After discussion prompted by recent state developments on open carry, the Leon County Board of County Commissioners directed staff to prepare a status report describing where open carry is permitted on county property, what county employees need to know, and options to increase security at county facilities.

Commissioner Proctor urged a strong public‑facing campaign and recommended partnering with community groups such as the Urban League to clarify where firearms are and are not allowed. The county attorney told the commission that state law preempts most local regulation of firearms on public property and that certain sensitive locations are already enumerated in statute; she said the board does retain authority to regulate weapons possession by its own employees and that current county policy prohibits employees from carrying firearms during work hours, with a limited exception allowing a concealed firearm in a locked personal vehicle on county property.

The board also asked staff to prepare a Q&A for employees, and to evaluate security options for county facilities (including whether increased deputy presence or armed security is appropriate) and to return with options. Commissioners also agreed to bring a legislative item back in the board's October work program if they want to pursue changes at the state level.

The motion to request the status report and related staff actions passed unanimously.

Separately, the commission approved, by unanimous vote, an item asking the county to partner with the Urban League and the sheriff for a public education effort covering open‑carry questions and where firearms are not allowed. The county attorney cautioned that private property owners set rules on their property and that public messaging must avoid misstating legal exceptions that depend on an individual's status (for example, court orders or disqualifying criminal convictions).