There's a big controversy brewing in Hernando County over a proposed outdoor gun range. Neighbors against the idea are protesting, while the man behind the gun range says it will be perfectly safe.
Christopher Russo and his family like to shoot guns on their property north of Weeki Wachee, just off U.S. 19 in Hernando County. Right now it's a place to hang out, but Russo wants to open an outdoor gun range there.
"We are going to be one of the safest ranges to shoot at," he said. "We are going to exceed expectations of safety standards."
Russo has applied with the county to rezone the land so he can put in the 40 to 50 lane gun range.
"We want to do this the right way," he said.
Folks that live nearby are not happy about the idea at all, so they were out protesting Sunday morning.
"We are not trying to get this guy from having his dream of owning a business," said protest organizer Harold Young. "That's not what we are here about, but we are here about safety and the environment."
The protesters are concerned about things like noise, stray bullets and more. Harold says too many people live in the area and there are two schools a few miles down the road.
"We want the outdoor gun range stopped," Harold said.
Russo says he understands the protester's concerns, but his range would be very safe.
"We will have a 28 foot barrier completely around all sides of the range," he said.
It's a big controversy that is in the hands of the county.
Russo's proposal goes in front of the Hernando County Planning and Zoning Commission on Monday. Planning staff has recommended denial. County Commissioners will get the final say next month.