Uncategorized – In-Gauge of Polk County – A non-profit organization

FREE GUN LOCK PROGRAM – Polk County, Florida

In-Gauge of Polk County, an NRA chartered, non-profit organization, initiated its free child safety, gun lock giveaway in October 2022.

In-Gauge of Polk County, Inc. extends its appreciation to the Polk County League of Women Voters for partnering with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, and joining us in making available free gun safety locks to the residents of Polk County. Further, we express our sincere gratitude for assisting in getting out the NRA’s Eddie Eagle GunSafe® Program’s message: “Stop, Don’t Touch, Run Away, Tell A Grownup“.

League of Women Voters – Polk County

– Andy Crossfield (left)

– Melinda Mailly (right)

In 2022, In-Gauge of Polk County, an NRA chartered, non-profit organization, located in Winter Haven, Florida, initiated its free child safety, gun lock giveaway, distributing free gun locks at the 46th Annual Lake Wales Pioneer Days Festival.

At its exhibitor booth, In-Gauge of Polk County promoted the NRA’s Eddie Eagle GunSafe® Program and its message: “Stop, Don’t Touch, Run Away, Tell A Grownup“, through the distribution of free official Eddie Eagle GunSafe® Program materials.

In-Gauge of Polk County will again be at this year’s Lake Wales Pioneer Days Festival, promoting Eddie Eagle’s child gun safety message: “Stop, Don’t Touch, Run Away, Tell A Grownup” with the goal of distributing 500 free gun safety locks.

Join us at the 47th Annual Lake Wales Pioneer Days Festival, October 28th and 29th, for fresh, hot, popcorn and a free gun safety lock.

About the NRA’s Eddie Eagle GunSafe® Program

“STOP! DON’T TOUCH. RUN AWAY. TELL A GROWN-UP.”

The Eddie Eagle GunSafe® program is a gun accident prevention program that for over 30 years has helped keep kids safe. The program was developed by a task force made up of educators, school administrators, curriculum specialists, urban housing safety officials, clinical psychologists, law enforcement officials and National Rifle Association firearm safety experts. It began in 1988 with one mission: teach children four simple, easy to remember steps so they know what to do if they ever come across a gun. In 2015 the NRA introduced a fresh, new Eddie and added some friends—his Wing Team. Though Eddie has evolved, his mission has not. Eddie and his friends are still focused on telling children that if they see a gun, they need to Stop! Don’t touch. Run away. Tell a grown-up.
EDDIE EAGLE GUNSAFE® PROGRAM

FREE GUN LOCK GIVEAWAY PROGRAM – Polk County, Florida

In-Gauge of Polk County, an NRA chartered, non-profit organization, initiated its free child safety, gun lock giveaway in October 2022.

League of Women Voters – Polk County

– Andy Crossfield (left)

– Melinda Mailly (right)

Join us at the 47th Annual Lake Wales Pioneer Days Festival, October 28th and 29th, for fresh, hot, popcorn and a free gun safety lock.

About the NRA’s Eddie Eagle GunSafe® Program

“STOP! DON’T TOUCH. RUN AWAY. TELL A GROWN-UP.”

The Eddie Eagle GunSafe® program is a gun accident prevention program that for over 30 years has helped keep kids safe. The program was developed by a task force made up of educators, school administrators, curriculum specialists, urban housing safety officials, clinical psychologists, law enforcement officials and National Rifle Association firearm safety experts. It began in 1988 with one mission: teach children four simple, easy to remember steps so they know what to do if they ever come across a gun. In 2015 the NRA introduced a fresh, new Eddie and added some friends—his Wing Team. Though Eddie has evolved, his mission has not. Eddie and his friends are still focused on telling children that if they see a gun, they need to Stop! Don’t touch. Run away. Tell a grown-up.
EDDIE EAGLE GUNSAFE® PROGRAM

Words of Wisdom from Sheriff Grady Judd on Owning and Carrying A Gun

“I do encourage anyone who wants to own, possess or carry a concealed firearm to please become familiar with that weapon. Learn how to safely handle and fire it.” “Good firearms training is a must.” – Sheriff Grady Judd.

Florida’s new ‘PERMITLESS CARRY’ law is not as simple as many people believe. Not knowing the new law can result in a felony arrest and a criminal record.

You can either learn what’s in Florida’s new concealed carry law and carry your gun legally or you can get arrested, charged with a felony and find out the hard way from a judge.

There are benefits to having a Florida concealed carry weapon and firearm license. Learn and know what they are.

Not knowing them can result in arrest, criminal charges, an appearance before a judge, extensive legal fees, a criminal record and the loss of your 2nd Amendment rights.

We conduct Florida concealed carry license and handgun training classes. Contact us to enroll in a class at: 863-206-1996

See our class schedule and register at: https://ingaugeofpolkcounty.com/register-for-a-class/

METHODS of CARRYING CONCEALED for Women

This is not a sales seminar.

This is a free presentation put on by In-Gauge of Polk County, an NRA chartered, non-profit organization, for the purpose of introducing the various methods of carrying a concealed firearm, available to women. This is an information and learning seminar, not a sales seminar. Although various products will be displayed and demonstrated, there will be no products offered for sale.

Cost: FREE (A FULLY REFUNDABLE $20 registration fee required to reserve a seat. Registration fee refunded upon clinic attendance. Attendance is required to receive the refund.)

Date: Saturday, September 9, 2023
Time: 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Duration: 1 & 1/2 hours
Location: Wild West Gun Store
- 29350 US Hwy. 27
  - Lake Hamilton, Florida

Seating is limited – Pre-registration is required – No walk-ins will be allowed

This is a FREE, women only, METHODS of CARRYING CONCEALED presentation, conducted by In-Gauge of Polk County. This presentation will introduce the participant to the various methods of carrying a concealed firearm, while comparing and contrasting the advantages and disadvantage of the different methods available to women.

Registration can be done online through EVENTBRITE at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/free-womens-methods-of-carrying-concealed-seminar-tickets-679514966557 or through the Wild West Gun Store at: https://www.wildwildwestarms.com/products/class-6076-f4adb841-abd6-4219-ab2f-22c6ede48d7c

You can shop Amazon. You can shop eBay. You can watch YouTube videos. But you will not learn the advantages and disadvantages of the various carry methods and which method will work for you. Join us for this informative seminar. Why, you may ask. Because no one else is doing it and no one else will tell you the truth. This is an information seminar, not a sales seminar. No one is going to attempt to sell you anything.

This is not a sales seminar. Although various products will be demonstrated, this is not a sales seminar. Unlike classes and seminars conducted at hotels, there will be no insurance sales.

No license (permit) is required for participation in this presentation. This seminar is free and open to the public. However, preregistration is required, as seating is limited.

Please leave all firearms in your vehicle. No loaded firearms or live ammunition will be allowed in the training area.

METHODS of CARRYING CONCEALED for Women – A FREE Presentation

This a training presentation NOT a sales seminar.

Cost: FREE (A FULLY REFUNDABLE $20 registration fee required to reserve a seat. Registration fee refunded upon clinic attendance. Attendance is required to receive the refund.)

Date: Saturday, September 9, 2023
Time: 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Duration: 1 & 1/2 hours
Location: Wild West Gun Store
- 29350 US Hwy. 27
  - Lake Hamilton, Florida

Seating is limited – Pre-registration is required – No walk-ins will be allowed

This is not a sales seminar. Although various products will be demonstrated, this is not a sales seminar. Unlike classes and seminars conducted at hotels, there will be no insurance sales.

No license (permit) is required for participation in this presentation. This seminar is free and open to the public. However, preregistration is required, as seating is limited.

Please leave all firearms in your vehicle. No loaded firearms or live ammunition will be allowed in the training area.

Beyond The Concealed Carry Class – Handgun Training

6-hour Handgun Training Course

Available, a 6-hour, basic handgun training course. A course that trains you to be proficient and confident in the handling and use of a handgun.

This is a 6-hour, handgun training course designed for both the beginning and intermediated shooter.

This course concentrates on skill development and shot placement. While developing confidence and proficiency in the safe handling use of a handgun.

Successful completion of the course fulfills the State of Florida’s training requirement for applying for a concealed carry license recognized in 37 sates. No further class or training will be required.

Next available course: Saturday, August 5th, at 9:00 AM.

To register, go to: EVENTBRITE https://www.eventbrite.com/e/basic-handgun-training-course-this-is-more-than-a-concealed-carry-class-tickets-675704539467

This course is conducted by In-Gauge of Polk County, in Winter Haven, Florida. The course is conducted on a regular basis, on varying dates. Contact In-Gauge of Polk County for course availability, by phone at: 863-206-1996 or by email at: info.ingauge@gmail.com

ANOTHER CLASS GRADUATED

They will have your back, while you are shopping, dining out, fueling your vehicle or attending church services.

Last weekend we graduated another class of trained public guardian, concealed firearm carriers. They took and completed over 15 hours of firearms training, even though with the change in Florida law taking effect July 1st, they did not have to.

These people completed over 15 hours of advanced firearms training and will have your back, while you are shopping, dining out, fueling your vehicle or attending church services. Unlike many of those about you after July 1st, these people have been trained.

They committed to being trained in the safe and proficient use of their firearm.

Beginning July 1st, in Florida, no training, background check or licensing will be required to carry a firearm in public.

When you decide to receive training beyond that you received in a ‘concealed carry’ class and want to become confident and proficient in the use of your firearm, contact us. It would be our pleasure to prepare you to carry a firearm in public or for home defense.

Firearms training is all we do. We are your neighbors. We are the only NRA chartered, non-profit firearms training organization in central Florida. We are here to serve you.

In-Gauge of Polk County, Winter Haven, Florida

Phone: 863-206-1996 – www.ingaugeofpolkcounty.com

Florida’s ‘Permitless Carry’ Law Went Into Effect July 1st – Have A Medical Marijuana Card? How It Will Affect You.

Basically, the change in Florida’s concealed carry law will not affect your status of possessing a Florida medical marijuana card and possessing a firearm.

First, it is licenseless carry, not permitless or Constitutional carry.

In other states, it may be a permit. But in Florida, it is a license.

How will Florida’s new licenseless carry law affect you if you possess a medical marijuana card?

Basically, the change in Florida’s concealed carry law will not affect your status of possessing a Florida medical marijuana card and possessing a firearm. You will still be prohibited from doing so. See the news article below.

FLORIDA’S NEW CONSTITUTIONAL CARRY LAW AND POT-NO GUN FOR YOU
By Howard Levy – June 25, 2023 – Deerfield News

Part one-
Deerfield-News. com-Deerfield Beach, Fl-What is the law regarding pot smokers with or without a medical card buying, carrying, and or possessing a gun?
On Monday, April 3, 2023, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed House Bill 543 into law. This bill, strengthening the second amendment, eliminates the requirement that an individual obtain a permit to carry a concealed firearm in Florida. This law goes into effect July 1,2023.

FLORIDA’S NEW CONSTITUTIONAL CARRY LAW AND POT-NO GUN FOR YOU

Before we get into the medical marijuana laws that conflict with gun laws in Florida, we first have to clear the air or some misunderstandings that have come up around this issue.
First, we have to address the fact that Florida has not passed any laws barring medical marijuana patients from owning guns.

The conflict between medical marijuana laws and gun laws is that cannabis remains to be federally banned. Anyone with any addiction to any illegally obtained drug including marijuana, is exempt from gun ownership and possession.

Under Federal Law, no one who uses cannabis should own or possess a weapon. This law certainly pertains to marijuana users who do not have a medical card or those that smoke it and buy it on the black market. The unchanging federal prohibition on controlled substances, including marijuana, prohibits the possession or purchase of firearms by anyone who uses those controlled substances, including marijuana.

Plainly stated, this means that if you are going to be a medical marijuana patient and get a legal medical marijuana card, you will not be able to purchase or possess firearms. Technically the same applies to nonmedical marijuana card holders that use marijuana.

Conflict Between Federal And State Law

There are three federal laws that are in conflict with local state laws that allow for the legal possession and purchase of medical marijuana, they are:
The controlled substances act: cannabis and THC are classified as Schedule 1 drugs which means prohibits anyone from producing, possessing, or selling them.
Title 18, Section 922 of the United States Code: this law states that it is illegal for anyone who uses a controlled substance to buy or possess a firearm.
The same law also prohibits the sale or transfer of a gun to anyone who uses a controlled substance.
Form 4473: The ATF has implemented this form as part of the legal process of purchasing a gun from a gun store.

There are specific questions on the 4473 Form that, if answered honestly, would prohibit a medical marijuana patient from purchasing a gun. The form even has this warning:
“Warning: The use or possession of marijuana remains unlawful under Federal law regardless of whether it has been legalized or decriminalized for medicinal or recreational purposes in the state where you reside.”

So if the gun seller knows that you are a medical marijuana patient, they would be in their right to deny selling you a gun.

Reports are that some police departments in Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Hawaii have taken it upon themselves to enforce federal law over state law by informing medical marijuana patients they must either turn in or dispose of their guns.

The Situation In Florida

Although other states have taken the hard stance of denying medical marijuana patients the right to own a gun, Florida seems to be one of the states where that is not the case for these reasons:

The gun-show loophole: Although buying from a private dealer does not make it legal under federal law for a marijuana user to own a gun, the transaction can be made without filling out the federal 4473 form.
The FORMER Florida Agricultural Commissioner, Nikki Fried, has a medical marijuana card and also has a concealed carry permit. Her office has made it clear that they will not deny gun rights to medical marijuana patients. Here is her official statement:

“ON CONCEALED WEAPONS LICENSES AND MEDICAL MARIJUANA CARDS, THE ISSUE IS PRETTY CLEAR — FLORIDA STATUTE 790.06 PROVIDES A LIMITED LIST OF FACTORS (SUCH AS FELONY ARRESTS, WHETHER THE INSTRUCTOR DEEMS THE APPLICANT CAPABLE, ETC.) UPON WHICH OUR DEPARTMENT MUST APPROVE OR DENY A CONCEALED WEAPONS LICENSE. THEREFORE, THE DEPARTMENT IS PROHIBITED FROM ASKING QUESTIONS OUTSIDE THAT SCOPE, WHICH WOULD INCLUDE MEDICAL MARIJUANA CARD POSSESSION.”
Office of Nikki Fried Florida Agricultural Commisioner. Tweet

While Florida has changed its stance on Marijuana, the federal government has not.
So it is technically illegal to possess and purchase a gun while having a medical marijuana card, the state of Florida is not actively denying you that right as of now. This question will be settled in Federal Court or by an Act of Congress. There are currently 3 cases pending on this issue on point. The Supreme Court will have the final say if Congress does not change the law.

More U.S. Pastors Rely on Armed Congregates as Church Security – Study Confirms

“Most churches are small, so security plans often don’t need to be elaborate or expensive,”

06-08-2023 – Talia Wise – CBN News

A new Lifeway Research study confirms that most pastors are making their congregant’s safety one of their top priorities.

According to “Planning and Armed Congregants Top Church Security Measures”, 81 percent of U.S. Protestant pastors say their church has some type of security measure in place.

Although churches are meant to be safe places, recent mass shootings make it hard for churches to ignore that they must be prepared for the unthinkable.

“Churches are not immune to violence, disputes, domestic disagreements, vandalism, and burglary,” said Scott McConnell, executive director of Lifeway Research. “While loving one another is a core Christian teaching, churchgoers still sin, and non-churchgoers are invited and welcomed. So real security risks exist whether a congregation wants to acknowledge them or not.”

Fifty-seven percent of pastors are most likely to say their congregation has an intentional plan for an active shooter situation. While 54 percent say armed church members are part of the measures they have in place.

More than a quarter use radio communication among security personnel, while 1 in 5 say they have a no firearms policy in the building where they meet or have armed private security personnel on-site.

Fewer have uniformed police officers on church grounds (5%) or metal detectors at entrances to screen for weapons (1%).

As CBN News reported, American churches have seen a steady rise in acts of hostility in recent years.

The FRC’s “Hostility Against Churches” report documents 420 acts between January 2018 and September 2022. They include vandalism, arson, bomb threats, gun-related incidents, and more.

“Criminal acts of vandalism and destruction of church property are symptomatic of a collapse in societal reverence and respect for houses of worship and religion – in this case, churches and Christianity,” the report states.

“Americans appear increasingly comfortable lashing out against church buildings, pointing to a larger societal problem of marginalizing core Christian beliefs, including those that touch on hot-button political issues related to human dignity and sexuality,” the FRC explains.

Andy Willis, who heads up security at Bellevue Baptist Church in Memphis, Tennessee, told CBN News he has the monumental task of keeping their almost 30,000-member congregation safe.

“Today, churches that speak the truth, that teach and preach true biblical principles, they draw a lot of attention because there are a lot of components of society today that don’t want to hear that,” Willis said.

“As a church security team, we have to be prepared for those kinds of situations, to intervene and to protect the flock,” he added.

The Lifeway Research shows that churches are not just relying on security teams but are softening to the idea of allowing congregants to carry firearms.

Last year, only 45 percent of the pastors polled said part of their security measures include having armed church members. That number has jumped up to 54 percent this year.

In 2019, 27% said they enforced a no firearms policy at their building, but that number has dropped to 21% now.

“Most churches are small, so security plans often don’t need to be elaborate or expensive,” McConnell said.

Meanwhile, those polled say they are less likely to rely on intentional planning to address potential security threats. In 2019, 62 percent said they had such a plan in place for an active shooting situation. Since then, that number has fallen to 57 percent.

“While churches may have different convictions on how to maintain security, it is surprising that fewer churches have an intentional plan for an active shooter than did in 2019,” said McConnell. “As churches cut back on activities during COVID, this may have been one of the initiatives that did not resume for some churches.”

FLORIDA’s CONCEALED CARRY LAW CHANGES JULY 1st

Are you prepared to carry a firearm in public and confident in its use? If not, contact us for official NRA firearms training.

Contact us for training at In-Gauge of Polk County:

863-206-1996

Visit our website for training options, class dates and times at: http://www.ingaugeofpolkcounty.com