Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/175080
Sarasota News Leader September 20, 2013 Page 38 to use deadly force if he or she "reasonably believes it is necessary to do so to prevent death or great bodily harm." A recent study by gun-control groups found the number of justified homicides has increased 53 percent in the 22 states that have such laws. "People ought to be able to defend themselves in their castle or in certain places against imminent peril or even death, but this is a powerful issue across the state," he pointed out. "We owe it to the people to look at it and do as much clarification as we can." Minutes from the city's Sept. 3 meeting show that Vice Mayor Willie Shaw suggested that "revisiting the State's 'Stand Your Ground' law" should be added to the city's list of legislative priorities. Indeed, "revisiting" was the exact word Shaw used. But the document eventually sent to Republican state Sen. Nancy Detert, the chairwoman of the delegation, indicates the city was calling for a "repeal" of the law. Delegation members also pointedly criticized Sarasota County Schools Superintendent Lori White for what they called a lack of communication. The school system had asked the Legislature to delay assessments and performance pay metrics set to take effect in the 2014-2015 school year. White told the delegation the Legislature could "wait for chaos to occur" and then try to fix it, "or we could thoughtfully work together." She added that the school system still does not have details about what next year's standards might look like. Republican state Reps. Doug Holder and Ray Pilon both cited the high level of support for the law they've read via email and social media while criticizing the city's request. Pilon said the Legislature would be holding hearings on Stand Your Ground. "It's my hope that there will be clarity as to what the law does," "The use of 'chaos' annoys me," Detert shot he added, "and that we will be able to divide back. "We want to be collaborative, but if we fact from media fiction." don't have a partner, then we make a deciCity Commissioner Paul Caragiulo, who is sion with no input from the local people, and running as a Republican for a seat on the I wouldn't know who to call." County Commission, represented the city at Holder echoed Detert's complaint that he nevthe legislative delegation meeting Wednesday. er hears from White. "We don't meet," he said. He made it clear that the inclusion of revisiting Stand Your Ground in the city's legis- "People that visit me regularly bring their lative priorities was not a "unanimous posi- problems and we try to get the job done," Detion." During the Sept. 3 meeting he told his tert added. White hasn't done that, she pointcolleagues he wasn't "comfortable knowing enough about the issue," but he was "OK" with ed out. "So don't show up and say we created chaos for you." "carrying the message." Democratic state Rep. Darryl Rouson said he The Legislature's committee meetings begin didn't support repealing Stand Your Ground, next Monday, Sept. 23, but the full session but "it absolutely needs clarification." doesn't kick off till March 4. %