Sheriff Grady Judd Archives - In-Gauge of Polk County

Open – Constitutional Carry is now law in Florida. Do you know what it means? Do you know the limitations?

Not knowing the law can result in a felony arrest, a criminal record and the loss of your 2nd Amendment rights for life.

Florida’s redefined ‘Open-Carry’ law is not as simple as many believe. There are numerous pitfalls that can result in a felony arrest and the loss of your 2nd Amendment rights for life.

Get informed on Florida’s new ‘Constitutional Carry’ law and not rely on hearsay or disinformation that you find on the Internet.

More importantly, just knowing the law is not enough. If you are going to carry a firearm for self-defense or own one for defense of your home, you need be proficient in its use. You need to be properly trained. Just going to the range and firing your gun will not prepare you for its use in a life-threatening emergency. That training only come through professional training. Training greater than that you get from Uncle Ted, the neighbor next door or the retired cop at church.

In-Gauge of Polk County only conducts firearms training. We do not sell guns. We do not sell ammunition. We only train people in the safe ownership, handling, and use of firearms, at both the basic and advanced level.

In-Gauge of Polk County classes include:

Basic and advanced handgun for sports shooting and self-defense
Basic shotgun for sports shooting or home defense
Basic rifle
Gun cleaning and maintenance
Concealed carry license qualification

All classes are conducted in Winter Haven. Classes are conducted weekly, with convenient online registration. No personal pre-class appointments or fingerprinting required.

Sheriff Grady Judd speaks on Florida’s ‘Open-Carry’ law . . .

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd

Open – Constitutional Carry in Florida. Do you know what it means?

Not knowing the law can result in a felony arrest, a criminal record and the loss of your 2nd Amendment rights for life.

Florida’s redefined ‘Open-Carry’ law is not as simple as many believe. There are numerous pitfalls that can result in a felony arrest and the loss of your 2nd Amendment rights for life.

Get informed on Florida’s new ‘Constitutional Carry’ law and not rely on hearsay or disinformation that you find on the Internet.

In-Gauge of Polk County classes include:

Basic and advanced handgun for sports shooting and self-defense
Basic shotgun for sports shooting or home defense
Basic rifle
Gun cleaning and maintenance
Concealed carry license qualification

All classes are conducted in Winter Haven. Classes are conducted weekly, with convenient online registration. No personal pre-class appointments or fingerprinting required.

Sheriff Grady Judd speaks on Florida’s ‘Open-Carry’ law . . .

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd

‘Open Carry’ is now “the law of the state” in Florida

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier says open carry is ‘law of the state’

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier on Sept. 15 said people being able to openly carry guns is “the law of the state,” after a panel of the 1st District Court of Appeal recently ruled that a longstanding ban was unconstitutional.

Uthmeier sent guidance to prosecutors and law-enforcement agencies. Some had already stopped enforcing the open-carry ban after the Sept. 10 opinion.

Uthmeier said in an online post that no other Florida appellate courts had considered the constitutionality of the open-carry ban after two closely watched U.S. Supreme Court decisions in 2022 and 2024. As a result, he said “the First District’s decision is binding on all Florida’s trial courts.”

https://www.tallahassee.com/story/news/politics/2025/09/15/florida-attorney-general-open-carry-of-guns-is-law-of-the-state/86167882007

Sheriff Grady Judd speaks on Florida’s ‘Open-Carry’ law . . .

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd

Sheriff Grady Judd Addresses Florida’s “Unconstitutional” ‘Open Carry’ Law

Sheriff Grady Judd speaks on changes to Florida’s ‘Open-Carry’ law.

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd

Florida’s 1st District Court of Appeals just ruled that Florida’s open carry ban is no longer constitutionally enforceable statewide.

Law Enforcement Agencies Ordered to STOP Enforcing Florida’s ‘Open Carry’ Ban by State Attorney General James Uthmeier

Attorney General James Uthmeier – 12:35 PM · Sep 10, 2025 . . .

Florida’s 1st District Court of Appeals just ruled that Florida’s open carry ban is no longer constitutionally enforceable statewide. Our office fully supports the Court’s decision.

This is a big win for the Second Amendment rights of Floridians.

As we’ve all witnessed over the last few days, our God-given right to self-defense is indispensable.

Post-ruling, many law enforcement agencies have stopped enforcing Florida open-carry ban

https://floridaphoenix.com/2025/09/11/post-ruling-many-law-enforcement-agencies-have-stopped-enforcing-florida-open-carry-ban

Following Wedneday’s decision by the Florida First District Court of Appeal striking the state’s ban on openly carrying firearms, Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey says his deputies will no longer enforce the ban – even though the law hasn’t changed yet.

In a video message posted on X Wednesday night, Sheriff Ivey, a longtime advocate for the Legislature to pass an open-carry law, said that he had informed his deputies of the policy shift. The statute at issue (790.053) makes it “unlawful for any person to openly carry on or about his or her person any firearm or electric weapon or device.”

Not all law enforcement agencies are dropping enforcement — at least not yet.

For the full article, go to: https://floridaphoenix.com/2025/09/11/post-ruling-many-law-enforcement-agencies-have-stopped-enforcing-florida-open-carry-ban

Florida’s open carry ban for guns ruled unconstitutional.

https://www.tallahassee.com/story/news/2025/09/10/florida-open-carry-ban-guns-ruled-unconstitutional-appeals-court/86076269007/

Two days after Gov. Ron DeSantis once again called on legislators to allow people to openly carry guns in Florida, a state appeals court ruled that the state’s ban on open carry is unconstitutional.

In a major decision, a three-judge panel of the 1st District Court of Appeal said the open-carry ban is incompatible with the nation’s “historical tradition of firearm regulation.” It cited U.S. Supreme Court rulings on Second Amendment issues.

“History confirms that the right to bear arms in public necessarily includes the right to do so openly,” Judge Stephanie Ray wrote in a 20-page opinion joined by Judges Lori Rowe and M. Kemmerly Thomas. “That is not to say that open carry is absolute or immune from reasonable regulation. But what the state may not do is extinguish the right altogether for ordinary, law-abiding, adult citizens.”

Read the complete article here . . . https://www.tallahassee.com/story/news/2025/09/10/florida-open-carry-ban-guns-ruled-unconstitutional-appeals-court/86076269007/

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/

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

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.

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

Florida Sheriffs endorse Wilton Simpson for State Commissioner of Agriculture

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd credited Simpson’s leadership with bringing Florida’s crime rate to a 50-year low.

http://www.floridapolitics.com/archives/510102-59-sheriffs-endorse-wilton-simpson-for-state-commissioner-of-agriculture

Fifty-nine of the state’s sheriffs — all but eight of them — are endorsing Senate President Wilton Simpson’s campaign for Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the campaign announced Monday.

The Florida Police Benevolent Association has also endorsed Simpson’s campaign, according to a news release from the Simpson campaign.

Simpson is running to succeed Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, who is leaving the position aiming to become Florida’s next Governor.

The campaign attributed the sheriffs’ united front for Simpson’s campaign to his support for law enforcement.

“As others have tried to defund the police, I fought to ensure Floridians in uniform have the support and resources they need to do their jobs,” Simpson said, according to a news release.

The news release highlighted endorsements of sheriffs from Pasco and Polk counties.

“The women and men in law enforcement start each shift with a mission: to work side by side with members of their community to keep it safe and to make it home to their families,” Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco said. “Wilton Simpson has firmly stood with law enforcement in this mission and understands that protecting our communities and our future will allow Florida to continue to prosper.”

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd credited Simpson’s leadership with bringing Florida’s crime rate to a 50-year low.

“Wilton is a PROVEN LEADER who cares about your safety and wellbeing,” Judd’s written comments read. “He has always supported law enforcement and that is exactly why I support Wilton.”

Simpson, a Trilby Republican, is the heavy favorite to win his party’s nomination for the post and face Democratic candidate Ryan Morales, a Clermont cannabis activist. Simpson has millions on hand for his campaign, compared to Morales and Republican candidates Richard Ollie Jr. and James Shaw, who have done negligible fundraising.

The majority of sheriffs not endorsing Simpson come largely from counties that are larger and traditionally more Democratic counties. Sheriffs from Alachua, Broward, Leon, Miami-Dade, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach and St. Lucie were not on the list of endorsers.

LAKELAND HOMEOWNER SHOOTS INTRUDER – Receives Praise from Sheriff Grady Judd

“I’m proud of our homeowner for defending himself,”

“I’m proud of our homeowner for defending himself,” Judd added. “It’s called a ‘Castle Doctrine.’ He has the right to protect himself and his home from unknown intruders.”

“He had a gun, he knew how to use it, it was loaded, and he shot him a lot,” Judd said. “He gave him an early Christmas present. Only Santa Claus gets to come in your house — and Santa Claus is invited.”

According to police, the homeowner says an intruder tossed a flower pot through the glass French doors of the home in an attempt to gain entry from the back porch. The homeowner then shot the intruder three times.

Police arrived on the scene and found 42-year-old Steven Stillwell shot on the living room floor. Stillwell was rushed to the hospital and was in critical, but stable condition.

A shotgun belonging to Stillwell was found laying on the ground in the backyard of the home.

According to PCSO, the suspect has an extensive arrest history, with 14 felonies and five misdemeanors, including multiple burglaries and larcenies, DUI, drug possession, dealing in stolen property, fraud, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of a weapon/ammunition by a convicted felon. He also has 11 re-arrest charges, with multiple violations of probation.

Polk County, Florida – 2nd mass murder in 4 weeks

3 people are deand and not a single shot was fired.

Workplace violence ends in 3 deaths

3 people are dead in a workplace violence incident in Polk County, Florida and not one shot was fired or one gun was used.

Deranged man beats and stabs co-workers in Davenport, Florida.

3rd victim dies after angry co-worker’s rampage

Sun, October 3, 2021

DAVENPORT, Fla. (AP) — Authorities said Sunday a third victim has died following a violent attack where an angry electrician wielding a knife and baseball bat killed three co-workers and injured another at the Florida home they shared.

Polk County Sheriff’s officials said electrician Shaun Runyon got into the argument with his supervisor Friday, punching the man and fleeing the job site. He returned to the Davenport home he where he was temporarily living with his co-workers Saturday and beat one man to death while he slept, killed another man on the front porch and chased another victim into the street, beating him badly with a bat, Sheriff Grady Judd said.

A fourth victim suffered critical injuries and later died at the hospital. Another man, his wife and their 7-year-old daughter escaped unharmed. Authorities did not release the identities of the victims.

Runyon and seven co-workers and their families were living at the home rented by a Pennsylvania company, J & B Electric, Inc.

It’s unclear what prompted the fight between 39-year-old Runyon and his supervisor Friday, but Sheriff Judd said he confessed.

He was charged with three counts of first degree murder and one count of aggravated battery. It was not immediately clear if he had retained a lawyer to comment on the charges.

Runyon fled the home, turning up hours later at the home of a random Lake Wales couple, wearing bloody clothes and telling them he’d been raped, according to the sheriff.

Judd said the man discarded his bloody clothes at the home as they urged him to go to the hospital where he was later taken into custody.

Sheriff Judd Issues A Word Of Advice

“Sheriff Judd recommends people learn the proper way to handle a firearm . . . “

Bill Kemp, The Ledger
September 27, 2020

How to prevent becoming a victim

Sheriff Judd recommends people learn the proper way to handle a firearm and then obtain a concealed carry permit to protect themselves.

“If you are dedicated to learning how to handle a firearm and you recognize a mistake with a firearm can be a fatal mistake, you should get your carry permit and always carry a firearm to protect yourself, your loved ones and your home,”

Judd said. “But you have to know how to handle it and shoot it. If they are disciplined, it is certainly a safety tool that will keep them alive in a bad situation.”
The Ledger, September 27, 2020

https://www.theledger.com/story/news/2020/09/27/74-cold-cases-haunt-pcso-closures-sought/3546741001/

So, You Took A Concealed Carry Class. Now What?

Applying For A Florida Concealed Carry License? No need to wait for a December Appointment Date.

Do-over Offer – FREE Concealed Carry Class

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