Concealed Firearm Course

Do you want a concealed weapon or firearm license? The Gulf County Republican Party will hold a formal class which is the first step in obtaining your license in the State of Florida. This is the second time this class has been offered.  The class will be held on Nov. 14 in Port St. Joe.  The classroom training portion of the class will be held at 1151 Industrial Road, Port St Joe (GAC Contractors meeting room), with registration beginning at 8:30 a.m. EST. Range time will be at the Gulf Rifle Club on State 71.  The class will be completed by 3 p.m. EST.  The cost is $65 per person.

Bill Bunting, Chairman, Republican Party of Florida Second Amendment Rights, will be teaching the class again this year.  The class will consist of gun safety, Florida statutes as they pertain to a concealed weapon, and familiarization of the weapon while shooting at the firing range.  After completing the classroom instruction and the range qualification, packets will be provided that contain all necessary forms and instructions to apply for the Concealed Weapon or Firearm License.

As of Sept. 30 Florida has 645,943 active gun permits statewide. Area counties have the following permits; Gulf – 375; Calhoun – 232; Bay – 5632; Liberty – 140; and Franklin – 444.

Statistics from the Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commission show the highest percentage of license holders is within the age group of 36-50 year olds, and people within the 51-65 age groups being the second highest.  In the past several years the Florida, as well as many other states, has seen a surge in license holders and weapon purchases. Many people believe the current administration will try again to limit the ownership of personal weapons. The surge in weapon ownership has created a shortage of many hand guns popular with license holders.

For those who would like to attend the Gulf County class, please contact Tom Baird for an application.  His contact info is Thomasbaird@mac.com