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The Charlotte County Board of Supervisors (BOS) adopted a resolution agreeing that the county will not ban otherwise lawfully possessed and transported firearms from certain public spaces, as now permitted by state code.

The resolution passed 6-1.

On Monday, Aug. 10, the BOS held a public hearing in which several citizens spoke and sent letters to the board in favor of the firearms resolution.

George Toombs of Saxe said he wanted his freedoms and Second Amendment rights protected.

Cullen residents Belinda and Zan Storm wrote to the BOS, stating, “We ask that you stand by the Second Amendment to the constitution that does not limit or restrict our right to protect and defend ourselves and our families that will not ban lawfully possessed firearms from public spaces.”

On July 1, new legislation took effect, allowing a county to ban otherwise lawfully possessed and transported firearms from certain public areas.

In July, the BOS passed a resolution stating the county would remain a Second Amendment sanctuary.

The original unanimous vote to establish the county as a Second Amendment sanctuary took effect in November.

The Second Amendment sanctuary resolution adopted by the county means they will not expend resources to enforce specific gun control measures perceived as violative of the Second Amendment.

Following the Public Hearing Supervisor, Kay Pierantoni expressed her concern for certain weapons in county buildings recalling a February appearance of two brothers armed with firearms at the Charlotte County Administration Building asking for a militia that unnerved some attendees.

Pierantoni said she wanted to add to the resolution that no “long guns” or rifles be allowed in county buildings before she could vote yes.

Her request was met with silence until Vice-Chairman Gary Walker said it was his understanding that the resolution meant that the county would not put any restrictions that are not already in effect, and the issue was to pass the resolution not amend it.

Supervisor Will Garnett made the motion to pass the resolution with a second from Supervisor Donna Fore.