Now, Suncoast is taking on one of the largest, most active and most effective gun-rights groups in the state.
The promoter has effectively barred Florida Carry from their shows, according to Sean Caranna, Florida Carry’s hardworking executive director.
“Suncoast won’t allow Florida Carry to rent tables that we’ve verified they have available or even reply to our emails asking why,” Sean said in an email.
“Earlier this week my co-Exec. Director called to secure tables for Florida Carry at your shows throughout Florida. I’m told that we have been rejected without any indication as to why,” Sean wrote in an email to Suncoast. “I think that our record of defending the rights of Floridians to keep and bear arms in the courts, local government, and the state legislature speaks for itself.”
via Suncoast Gun Shows snubs Florida Carry, Inc..
I don’t get it.
Maybe there is a reason why they are banning Florida Carry and I would like to know it. If you happen to attend one of their shows, try to find the organizers and see if they can provide an answer…that makes sense.
They also should be reminded that the only reason Gun Shows are not banned through the country is because courts have found that Gun Shows are not just mercantile enterprises but where people gather to talk about guns and politics, stuff protected under the First Amendment. It is kinda silly to torpedo what helps you keep making money.
Update 2/12/15:
“Three other gun show promoters are now giving us free tables – Right out front where everyone will see us!”
Sean Caranna
F/C should have all of their members boycott the shows and have a protest outside the entrance to let everyone know what is going on. The similar group here in Iowa has a presence at every gun show they can. There has never been a issue with the show promoter here.
In the six years I’ve been doing gun shows, I’ve seen 2 people ejected permanently. One guy decided at closing time on a Sunday when we were tearing down to start a fight with another vendor. The other one had a loaded gun on his table and it went off. Luckily it was still early during setup so no one was hurt. They made him pack it up right then and he’s barred for life.
Strange. Very strange. Both gun show promoters who do shows in Virginia comp a table to the state’s grassroots gun rights organization. (Is it OK if I say VCDL http://www.vcdl.org ?) When I was coordinating the show table for my area and forgot to send in the reservation form they called to make sure we were not going to show up.
Considering just about everybody comes past the table to get “GUNS SAVE LIVES” stickers – vendors and attendees – it’s hard not to see what an impact the organization has on attendance. (Now if only those folks would sign up to be members!)
Hopefully Sun Coast will come to their senses.
stay safe.
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