Florida: Sarasota/Manatee County Dirty Restaurants

Federal Measure Would Eliminate Unconstitutional State Handgun Rosters Mark Chesnut Legislation reintroduced recently by two pro-gun U.S. House of Representatives members would eliminate unconstitutional handgun rosters that prevent law-abiding citizens in states like California and New York from freely purchasing modern handgun models. U.S. Rep. Darrell Issa, R-California, and Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-New York, introduced the Modern Firearm Safety Act on July 24. The measure would prohibit all states from requiring gun manufacturers to adopt costly and unnecessary features, including loaded chamber indicators, magazine disconnect mechanisms, and microstamping. California and New York currently have laws that feature rosters of handguns that can be legally sold in the state. As we reported a few years back, the California roster limits buyers’ choices to a pool of guns with fewer safety features. “For decades, the clear Constitutional rights of law-abiding gun owners have been targeted for elimination, and handgun rosters are only one of the cynical schemes used to undermine the Second Amendment through the pretense of firearm safety,” Rep. Issa said in a news release announcing the measure. “These rosters impose excessive and unnecessary requirements that actually restrict access to firearms equipped with the most up-to-date safety features, and that’s why I’m proud to partner with my friend Rep. Stefanik to defend sacred rights and end these unjust restrictions.” New York’s law is particularly irksome to Rep. Stefanik, who sees her constituents’ rights being infringed daily.

SIG Sues Washington Police Academy For Banning Training With Its P320 Pistol Mark Chesnut We reported recently how Sig Sauer’s popular P320 pistol has come under fire by some law enforcement agencies, military branches and even Gunsite Academy because of alleged safety problems. One such law enforcement group, the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission (WSCJTC), which operates Washington’s police training academy, banned the P320 for trainee use. “My position has to be safety because we know so much now that if I make a different decision, I don’t feel like I’m being responsible,” Monica Alexander, WSCJTC executive director, said upon announcing the ban. Now, SIG has filed a lawsuit, Sig Sauer Inc. v. WSCJTC, seeking to have the ban reversed and claiming that the ban is unnecessary and not well grounded in fact or law. “Law enforcement departments throughout Washington State trust, rely on, and prefer the P320 as their service pistol of choice,” the lawsuit states. “By banning the P320 for new law enforcement recruits, the WSCJTC is putting these men and women at a disadvantage when they enter the field and will be assigned the P320. The action also imposes negative financial impacts on all those law enforcement agencies that utilize the P320 and Sig Sauer. It further inappropriately and unjustifiably inflicts reputational and economic harms on Sig Sauer.” The plaintiff further argues the lawsuit that the organization’s P320 ban runs afoul of state law and the state’s statute outlining the right to keep and bear arms.

KC Men Sentenced for Illegal Firearms Trafficking U.S. Attorney's Office, Western District of Missouri KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man was sentenced to four years of imprisonment in federal court today for conspiring to traffic firearms to prohibited persons and illegally trafficking firearms. Antonio Manning, Sr., 23, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Beth Phillips, to 48 months in federal prison without parole, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release. The court also ordered the defendant to pay a criminal forfeiture money judgment in the amount of $11,260. On April 14, 2025, Antonio Manning admitted that he knowingly and willfully joined in an agreement to sell firearms to individuals who were prohibited from possessing them under federal law. According to the plea agreement, the defendants trafficked at least 22 firearms to persons who were known felons or they sold firearms that were converted into unregistered machineguns in violation of federal law. Pursuant to the plea agreement, Antonio Manning admitted that he was personally involved in illegally selling at least nine firearms and one of those firearms was an unregistered machinegun. On Jan. 22, 2025, co-defendant Sheron Manning, the brother of Antonio Manning, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to traffic firearms to prohibited persons and to one count of illegally trafficking a firearm that had been converted into an unregistered machinegun. On May 21, 2025, Sheron Manning, 22, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Beth Phillips, to 57 months in federal prison without parole, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release. On April 07, 2025, co-defendant Michael Dewayne Hardy, 23, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to traffic firearms to prohibited persons, to one count of illegally trafficking a firearm that had been converted into an unregistered machinegun, and one count of knowingly being a felon in possession of firearms. On June 26, 2024, Michael Dewayne Hardy, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Beth Phillips, to 70 months in federal prison without parole, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Trey Alford. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Operation Take Back America This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). Updated August 7, 2025

Northfield Man Charged with Possession and Sale of Stolen Firearms U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Vermont USAVT.Press@usdoj.gov Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that on July 10, 2025 a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Peter Baez, 41, of Northfield, Vermont with possession and sale of stolen firearms. Baez entered a plea of not guilty to the charges during an arraignment on August 7, 2025 before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle. Judge Doyle ordered that Baez be released on conditions pending trial. According to court records and statements at the arraignment, the allegations in the grand jury’s indictment relate to Peter Baez’ unlawful possession and sale of firearms which had belonged to his father, Pedro Baez. Pedro Baez died suddenly in the fall of 2024, and his will left his home and all property to his daughter. Despite having notice of the terms of his father’s estate, Peter Baez retained possession of Pedro Baez’ firearms, and sold some of them to area gun stores, keeping the proceeds. The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an indictment contains allegations only and that Baez is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Baez faces up to 10 years’ imprisonment if convicted. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the District Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors. Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher commended the investigatory efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and thanked the Berlin and Montpelier Police Departments for their assistance. The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt. Peter Baez is represented by William Vasiliou, II, Esq. Contact Media Inquiries/Public Affairs Officer: (802) 651-8250

Islesford Man Pleads Guilty to Providing False Information to a Firearms Dealer U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Maine William Heutz falsely represented himself to be the true purchaser of the firearm. PORTLAND, Maine: An Islesford man pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Portland on Wednesday to providing false information to a federal firearms dealer. According to court records, William Heutz, 32, purchased a Glock Model 19 9mm pistol from a licensed federal firearms dealer in February 2023. In filling out a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Form 4473 required for the purchase, Heutz indicated that he was the firearm’s actual buyer. However, according to electronic messages obtained by investigators, he straw purchased the pistol for another individual, who provided money for the purchase. Heutz kept the money left over from the exchange and transferred the firearm to that individual. Heutz faces up to 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000 followed by up to three years of supervised release. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. ATF investigated the case. Straw Purchasing: A straw purchase is an illegal firearm purchase where the actual buyer of the gun, being unable to pass the required federal background check or desiring not have his or her name associated with the transaction, uses a proxy buyer who can pass the required background check to purchase the firearm for him/her. Project Safe Neighborhoods: This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. To learn more information about Project Safe Neighborhood, visit www.justice.gov/psn. ### Contact Jeanne D. Semivan, Special Assistant United States Attorney, Tel: (207) 780-3257

Six DeLand Men Sentenced For Trafficking Military-Grade Firearms To Mexican Drug Cartels U.S. Attorney's Office, Middle District of Florida Orlando, FL – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that six individuals have been sentenced to federal prison terms for their roles in a firearms trafficking conspiracy. Name (Age, City of Residence) Charges Number of Firearms Purchased Sentence Imposed Angel Velazquez Delgado (34, DeLand) Firearms trafficking Straw purchasing 10 9 years Jesus Hernandez (32, DeLand) Straw purchasing 10 3 years, 10 months Edgar Jimenez (30, DeLand) Straw purchasing 5 3 years Jesus Paulino (27, DeLand) Straw purchasing 4 2 years Jonathan Borja (23, DeLando) Straw purchasing 2 1 year, 6 months Jesus Andres (28, DeLand) Making a false statement on firearm transaction record 2 1 year, 6 months According to court documents, in May 2023, investigators with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) began investigating a firearms trafficking organization operating in the Middle District of Florida. The organization was comprised of at least six individuals and led by Angel Velazquez Delgado. The conspirators purchased high-caliber firearms in the United States for resale to Mexican drug cartels. These cartels were and are criminal organizations engaged in the trafficking of controlled substances into the United States. The trafficked firearms included high-caliber, armor-piercing, and anti-material weapons. For example, approximately 11 of the firearms trafficked by this organization included Barrett .50 caliber rifles, which can expel a very accurate, heavy, and fast-moving projectile that defeats all individually worn body armor, can penetrate and disable vehicles, aircraft, boats, and can even defeat some types of protection provided by armored vehicles. These rifles are highly sought after by the cartels in their efforts to control large territories. The organization also trafficked approximately 16 FN M249S rifles, which are sold in the United States as a semi-automatic weapon but are easily converted into a machinegun. The firearms were purchased at the request of the cartels and transported to the cartels soon after purchase. Using the eTrace Firearm Recovery Notification Program, Mexican authorities were able to confirm the presence of at least one of the trafficked firearms in Mexico. On March 22, 2023, Mexican State Police and Mexican Military personnel were involved in a shootout with suspected members of the Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación in Zitacuaro, Michoacan, Mexico. Two individuals were killed during the exchange of gunfire. After the shooting, a Barrett, model 82A1, .50 caliber rifle purchased by Jesus Hernandez on November 8, 2022, was recovered. At some point, members of the firearms trafficking conspiracy began removing the serial numbers from the firearms prior to shipment. “Dismantling this Central Florida-based firearms trafficking ring is a huge win for public safety in Mexico and America,” said Tampa Field Division’s Special Agent in Charge Kirk Howard. “The CJNG is a notoriously brutal transnational criminal organization designated as a foreign terrorist organization that now has less fuel for its violent criminal activities, thanks to this joint team.” “The investigation and prosecution of violent crime is one of the top priorities of my District,” said U.S. Attorney Kehoe. “These individuals have trafficked high-caliber, military-grade weapons into the hands of dangerous Mexican cartel members and thus have caused a serious risk to the health and safety of others. My office, along with our law enforcement partners, will continue to work to hold those who jeopardize public safety accountable for their crimes.” This case was investigated by the ATF, Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Volusia Bureau of Investigations, and the DeLand Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Rachel Lyons and Noah Dorman. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

Fresno Man Indicted for Unlawful Firearms Sales U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of California A federal grand jury returned a five-count indictment against Bee Her, 20, of Fresno, charging him with unlawful transfer of firearms in violation of the National Firearms Act and dealing and manufacturing firearms without a license, Acting U.S. Attorney Kimberly A. Sanchez announced. According to court documents, she sold 10 firearms to undercover agents in three different transactions, including multiple short-barreled rifles. Her sold firearms despite being told by the undercover agent that the firearms were going to Mexico. He also possessed 12 privately manufactured firearms receivers and six auto-sear machine gun conversion devices for purposes of sale. This case is the product of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Fresno Police Department, the Fresno Multi-Agency Gang Enforcement Consortium, and the California Department of Justice. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Veneman-Hughes is prosecuting the case. If convicted, Her faces a maximum statutory penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the U.S. Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

Tactical Flashlights and Why They Are SO Important Gregg Kielma Say Gregg Kielma, Tactical K Training and Firearms owner, don't shortchange yourself. Invest in a good flashlight. we have several in stock and at great prices. Give me a call and check them out! Today we are going to talk a little about flashlights and what I recommend. I think this is an important topic because 76% of life-threatening engagements happen at night. So, do you know what flashlight is best for you and how important it is? My big powerful light is a Surefire Fury Intellibeam. This light goes from 15 lumens all the way up to 1500 lumens and it automatically adjusts based on what you need. This light is GREAT for building clearing since it automatically adjusts its lumens, so I don't blind myself inside a house. It's also great as a search light. With 1500 lumens it really reaches out and you can see for miles it seems. This light can be used to blind an attacker by just shining it it their face or you can use it to draw attention to the situation if other people are around. Bad guys don't like attention. I bring this light with me for training and when I'm on the job. The only negative I have found is its size for EDC (everyday carry). I just found myself leaving it at home because it took up too much real estate in my pocket. So, I decide to use the Streamlight Microstream for my EDC. I absolutely love this tiny little light that fits so well in my pocket, I don't even realize it's there. Yes, it's only 250 lumens, but that has proven to be enough for day-to-day activities and if I needed it in conjunction with my gun, it would do the job if I'm shooting from 25 yards and closer. So, these two lights are my go to right now and will probably stay that way for some time. It's important to figure out what light is going to work best for you and your day-to-day activities. Just whatever you do, don't get stuck in a situation where you need a light and you don't have one. Stay Dangerous, Sgt Nick Rians

Why the Gun Control Lobby Hates That More Women Are Buying Guns Scott Witner The anti-gun establishment doesn’t know what to do with strong, independent women who choose to carry. You’d think gun control groups—who constantly preach empowerment, equality, and safety—would cheer for more women taking control of their personal protection. Instead, they’re losing their minds. Why? Because women are now the fastest-growing demographic of gun owners in America, and that scares the hell out of the gun control industry. The Rise of the Armed Woman For decades, the gun world was marketed almost exclusively to men. That’s changing fast. Women are buying firearms in record numbers, joining the shooting sports, taking self-defense classes, and demanding gear and training tailored to their needs—not their gender stereotypes. And the industry is paying attention. Ads now feature competent, confident women with firearms—because that’s who’s walking into gun stores. But groups like Everytown’s “The Smoking Gun” project are suddenly clutching their pearls. They’re calling out gun companies for daring to market to women. Their big gripe? That the firearm industry is trying to “normalize” women and guns. Damn right we are. History Proves Otherwise Despite what some sociology professors from Oregon State may think, women owning and carrying firearms is nothing new. From the American Revolution to Annie Oakley, from Martha Jane “Calamity” Canary to modern-day self-defense advocates like the late Geneva Solomon, armed women have been an integral part of this country’s story. The difference now? They’re no longer the exception. They’re becoming the norm. Why Gun Control Activists Are Panicking Marketing experts interviewed by anti-gun outlets claim that women are being portrayed as “serious gun owners” now, and not just props in male-targeted ads. That should be progress, right? Not to the gun control lobby. They don’t like seeing women who train, who carry, who refuse to be victims. Because when more women embrace the Second Amendment, it undercuts their entire narrative—one that relies on portraying gun ownership as a toxic, dangerous extension of masculinity. They talk about women’s rights, but not when those rights include bearing arms. Leadership at Every Level Strong women are already leading the way in the gun industry: • Laurie Aronson (Lipseys) • JoAnn Weisenford (RSR Group) • Kelly Reisdorf (USA Shooting) • Kirstie Pike (Prios Hunting Apparel) And in Congress, women like Sens. Marsha Blackburn and Joni Ernst. Additionally, Elise Stefanik, Kat Cammack, and Claudia Tenney have become staunch defenders of the Second Amendment. At the state level, governors such as Kay Ivey, Kristi Noem, and Kim Reynolds have demonstrated what real pro-gun leadership looks like. These aren’t token women. They’re leading, building, and defending the gun rights community. And they’re doing it unapologetically. Women Are Changing the 2A Conversation Range nights for women. Women-only training courses. Moms are bringing their daughters to the local gun store to get fitted for a first handgun. These aren’t outliers anymore; they’re part of the new normal. The truth is, women don’t need permission from anti-gun activists to protect themselves. They never did. And no matter how hard the gun control crowd tries to spin it, the tide isn’t turning in their favor. The Second Amendment is for everyone. And yes, that includes women.