BRADENTON, Fla. — A Manatee County Commissioner is pushing to allow government employees to conceal carry at work. 

“I don’t want a county building to be looked at as a soft target,” said Commissioner James Satcher, District 1. “You never see a shooting at a gun show.” 

Satcher also is a local minister. 


What You Need To Know

  • Manatee Co. Commissioner James Satcher wants open carry for government employees 

  • But not all commissioners are in agreement 

  • Commission to further discuss the issue this summer

As it stands now, residents who have a conceal carry permit can legally bring a weapon into a public building. However, employees on the clock, are not allowed to bring in a weapon. 

Last week, Satcher raised the issue in a county meeting—asking if the current rules can be changed.

However, some commissioners disagreed with Satcher. 

“I do think we need to hear what is being said from the employees,” says Reggie Bellamy, District 2 Commissioner. “Is there concern out there? Have we had an issue?”

Satcher says there shouldn’t be an issue for the second amendment to be enforced. 

“I’m worried about the criminals,” Satcher said. “I’m worried about the bad guys, I want our employees to get back home safe.”

 The county administrator and attorney will be researching possible policy changes and will discuss the issue again on July 26.