“Florida Law Making Gun Carry Permits Optional Leads to Dramatic Drop in Safety Classes,” a story by Fresh Take Florida student journalist Jack Lemnus published in the Miami Herald on Nov. 1, 2023, was referenced in the Miami Herald Editorial Board opinion column “Good Luck Out There, Florida. Gun Safety Classes Drop After Permitless Carry Law” published on Nov. 3.

The story focused on a decrease in gun safety class participants after a new Florida law repealed the requirement for concealed firearm permits. The classes teach safety and explain the state’s laws about where and how gun owners can lawfully carry pistols and legally use them in self-defense.

Lemnus, a Journalism senior, spent months reporting on this piece, interviewing over a dozen sources, including gun owners, instructors, law enforcement officers and lawmakers. He took an eight-hour concealed-carry course to understand what curricula would be missed if gun owners forgo training now that it’s optional, and to gain the trust of his sources.

Fresh Take Florida is a news service comprised of University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications (UFCJC) student journalists that produces investigative and political content focusing on Florida’s state government or other issues of statewide, regional or national interest.

Stories, photos, video and audio packages, graphics, and data visualizations are distributed directly to Florida’s largest news organizations and more broadly under distribution agreements with The Associated Press, CNN, the Florida Public Radio Network, Gatehouse/Gannett, Tribune Media Company, McClatchy Co. and TEGNA.

Fresh Take Florida students are advised by Ted Bridis, UFCJC Rob Hiaasen Senior Lecturer in Investigative Reporting.

Posted: November 6, 2023
Category: College News, Student News
Tagged as: Florida Concealed Carry Repeal, Fresh Take Florida, Gun Safety Classes, Ted Bridis, The Miami Herald