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Atlantic Beach council leans toward allowing secured firearms in employees' vehicles; final facility rules to be reviewed
Summary
Council discussed amendments to weapons rules to allow employees to keep concealed firearms secured in locked vehicles on town property while asking legal and insurance review before deciding whether firearms may be carried inside town facilities.
Councilmember Joseph Starling reported staff requested a change to the personnel policy that currently prohibits employees from keeping firearms in their vehicles. The council debated distinctions among carrying on one's person, firearms secured in locked vehicles on town property, and possession inside town facilities.
Police Chief Dave Clifton noted that concealed‑carry permit holders may legally keep firearms secured in locked vehicles in most public parking areas, and Council consensus favored allowing employees to secure concealed firearms in their vehicles in the same manner as the general public. The council emphasized that any final policy must be clear about what is permitted versus prohibited and must not conflict with state law.
Town Manager John O'Daniel asked the council to consult the town's insurer about legal risk and liability. Councilmembers indicated that approval to carry in town facilities would require additional review; Chief Clifton said he would support approval if the Town Manager and council concurred. The council asked staff to have Attorney Gordon review the proposed revisions and to return a final draft at the April work session.
