BROOKSVILLE, Fla. -- Hernando County Commissioners are expected to vote next week to allow county employees with concealed carry permits to carry guns on the job.

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  • Those with concealed carry permits could carry on the job

"The old policy had a blanket 'you're not allowed to have any weapons no matter what,' even if you had a right to carry and you had a permit," Commission Chairman Steve Champion said. "Even though it wouldn't be against Florida law, you could lose your job if you had a concealed weapon on you."

Champion said he proposed the change because he felt the current policy prevented workers from exercising a Constitutional right.

"Government should stay out of the way and not restrict law-abiding citizens. We're talking about people that went through the process to get their concealed (permit), take the training," he said.

Some visitors to the county offices Thursday weren't in favor of the move. Crystal River resident Don Carter said he'd rather the county station plainclothes police officers in the building.

"(A) guy comes in here, he thinks it's a red flag or he starts doing something that doesn't add up, he can take them down, do what he wants to do. These guys can't," said Carter, referring to county employees.

Champion said the county isn't urging employees to bring guns to work but that the policy change would give them a choice. He said it will also give them a chance to protect themselves if needed.

"Even though you're licensed and you're able to protect yourself, your workplace doesn't allow you to do so. Therefore, you're a sitting duck," Champion said. "There's no victim zones here. You should be able to carry where it's appropriate."

The revised policy states that anyone without a concealed carry permit found to have a firearm on county property, in a county vehicle, or while on county business could lose their job or face criminal charges.

Commissioners are expected to vote on the possible change Tuesday.