Community Corner

Advocates Rally for Gun Safety Laws in Dunedin Park

Advocates hoping to raise awareness to the national conversation on gun violence are promising to wave signs every Wednesday at Edgewater Park until "meaningful legislation" is passed.

Advocates moved by the December shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary call a strip of grass in front of Edgewater Park in Dunedin their "peace corner."

The loose-knit group of 12 or so demonstrators, many from Safety Harbor and Dunedin, promise to wave signs there  Wednesday afternoon until "meaningful legislation" for ensuring gun safety is passed.

The group's underlying mission is to bring attention to the national dialogue on gun violence and safety laws at a time when bills are being sent to Congress.

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"It's not going to solve the whole problem," advocate Ann McDowell said gripping a sign with multi-colored glitter letters that read, "STOP GUN VIOLENCE NOW!"

"But if it saves only one child, our effort will have been worthwhile," she said.

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Several within the group asked their pastors and church congregations to write members of Congress. A local church sent letters to legislators with more than 50 signatures, McDowell said.

The group is urging lawmakers to pass legislation to enact the following:

  • Eliminate loopholes and requiring background checks for all gun sales.
  • Reinstate the prohibition on high-capacity magazines.
  • Renew and strengthen the ban on assault weapons.
  • Create serious penalties for gun traffickers.
  • Get armor-piercing bullets off the streets by prohibiting the possession and transfer of this dangerous ammunition.
  • Keep more than 15,000 police officers on the streets.
  • Help schools and communities develop and implement comprehensive emergency management plans.
  • Remove restrictions that require ATF to authorize importation of dangerous weapons simply because of their age.

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