Broward sheriff fighting DeSantis over guns

“We are very divided in this state once we pass Orlando. The dynamics change, the philosophical approach to politics and everything else,” Tony said. “So I would imagine we are not going to get every sheriff to support that,” meaning to oppose a further weakening of state gun laws. “I will represent us the best I can, and the interests Sheriffs and police chiefs will surely be of this community, and I won’t waver in my heard in the upcoming debate on further commitment to that.” loosening Florida’s lax gun laws. That Tony is obviously doing right by the should be welcome news to South Florida’s community that elected him. But if he many supporters of common-sense gun goes to Tallahassee to personally lobby safety laws — but it isn’t. against permitless carry, his vocal opposi

The Florida Sheriffs Association and tion may only make the Legislature’s job Florida Police Chiefs Association have long easier. A Democratic sheriff from Florhad too much influence at the state Capiida’s most liberal county is a perfect foil tol. That’s especially true of for this pro-gun Legislature — sheriffs, still chosen by voters even a sheriff appointed by a in partisan elections under an governor with high statewide anachronistic and dangerous popularity. system dating to the state’s Republican politicians will be earliest days. Sheriffs, not looking for examples to show senators, are the most influhow out of step Broward is with ential political figures in their the rest of the state, and permitcommunities. A uniformed less carry may be Exhibit A. Florida sheriff, service revolver Permitless carry, by the way, at his hip, strolling the Senate is distinct from open carry, in Office Building in Tallahassee, which gun owners can openly always gets attention. display weapons in public. But

Both police groups solidly if permitless carry becomes support Gov. Ron DeSantis, law, open carry is a logical next who assures supporters that step. he will sign a law before leavWhen Rep. Mike Gottlieb, ing office that allows people D-Davie, noted that distinction to carry a concealed weapon to Tony, the sheriff defended without any state-mandated the need to keep issuing gun licensing or safety training. It licenses based on background is known as permitless carry, checks. With the five-year We Floridians can feel the tides shifting and its advocates call it by the mark since the Parkland school and a storm approaching. We’ve seen our misleading buzzword constitushooting a few weeks away, insurance premiums climbing by double tional carry. Tony said licensing is a way digit percentages. We see the destruction

“I can’t tell you exactly when, of flagging individuals who caused by powerful hurricanes like Ian. but I’m pretty confident that should not have access to fireAfter decades of ignoring climate change, I will be able to sign constiarms, even though those safethe federal government has finally begun to tutional carry into law in the guards failed in the Parkland address this crisis. The Inflation Reduction state of Florida,” DeSantis said case. Act was a huge leap forward, but U.S action in April at a televised press “Let’s keep the checks and alone won’t be enough. We continue to fight conference in the north Florida balances and expand on them,” this global problem by using clean energy town of Williston. “Before I’m Tony told lawmakers. “I don’t Following election of a new House and forgoing some luxuries we enjoyed in done as governor, we will have a think we need to reduce our Speaker, Congress can carry out the work the past in the hopes of a better tomorrow. signature on that bill.” due diligence to safeguard this of the American people. They could start by Other major polluters such as China and

“Whoo- hoo!” a crowd community.” tackling an issue that Republicans, DemoIndia fail to do the same. Several of their of Levy County townsfolk Lucy Rowles of Sunrise, crats and everyone in between agrees on: major polluters have doubled down on cheered in response. representing Moms Demand Corruption. emphasizing that they won’t reduce emis

One sheriff who’s not part of this pro-gun Action for Gun Sense in America, urged But I was shocked to read that in their sions, knowing full well will suffer more for cheering section is Broward County’s lawmakers to oppose any permitless carry first move, the new House majority it. For this reason, we must emphasize the Gregory Tony. Appearing Friday at a public gun law for Florida. approved a rules package that includes importance of international climate polihearingofthecountycies.legislativedelegation“AnyattempttoenactthisdangerousweakeningtheOfficeofCongressional in Fort Lauderdale, Tony said: “I absolutely legislation is a step toward dismantling our Ethics. This one of the few safeguards We need to incentivize major pollut100,000-plus-10-percent disagree with it.” state’s culture of responsible gun ownership against corruption in Congress. It provides ers to lower their emissions. The solution

The sheriff knows his constituents in and respect for the Second Amendment,” non-partisan oversight and accountability, is a carbon border adjustment (CBA), a Florida’s largest Democratic county. Tony, Rowles said. ensuring that members of Congress work fee on imports that exceed certain carbon who was appointed by DeSantis in 2019 for the people, not special interests. emission levels. This can encourage major and reelected in 2020, marked four years in Over the years it has done its job, shedpolluters to adopt cleaner manufacturing office last week. In his remarks to lawmakding light on shady dealings by represenmethods and fuels if they want continued ers, he acknowledged that his stand on guns tatives in both parties. It goes without equal access to the lucrative U.S. market. is not widely shared by fellow sheriffs or by saying, but nearly every American wants Sens. Marco Rubio and Rick Scott must their statewide lobbying association. less corruption — not more. What possible consider the benefits that a CBA will have explanation can the new majority have for on the American climate, labor force and opening the door to less transparency and economy. This solution won’t only help us more corruption? Confidence in governto finance a stronger and safer world, but ment is low because Congress consistently will also help America get back to being a fails to deliver on the issues people care nation of creators. about. Harshil Patel, Pompano Beach

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Steve Bousquet is opinion editor of the Sun Sentinel and a columnist in Tallahassee. Contact him at sbousquet@sunsentinel. com or 850-567-2240 and follow him on Twitter @stevebousquet.

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Don’t stick taxpayers with any tunnel costs

(Broward County Sheriff Gregory)

Tony, who was appointed by DeSantis in 2019 and reelected in 2020, marked four years in office this week. In his remarks to lawmakers, he acknowledged that his stand on guns is not widely shared by fellow sheriffs or by their statewide lobbying association.

Jay Warren, Coral Springs

A gutting of ethics

Gutting this important ethics office will only make things worse.

Joseph Regallis, Port St. Lucie

DeSantis? Who cares?

People come to Florida for the warm weather; politics has nothing to do with it. I’ve told my children up north that a recession won’t affect me, though rising prices are a minor problem. I live in a gated community, like many retired people. I wish Gov. DeSantis would go away, but what he does and says has no effect on us.

Bob Murphy, Palm Beach Gardens

Combat climate change