Our mass shootings have developed their own set rituals and denials, none so lethal as the complicity with murder that blames the wrong targets while excusing guns.
Florida & Beyond, and All Opinions
Weekend Briefing: Pulse Vigil in Flagler Beach, Turtle Talk, ReVive at Calypso, Built Art at Salvo, Assault Weapons
New art shows open at Salvo Art and Calypso galleries, a vigil and fund-raiser is held in Flagler Beach, a soldier ridicules the need for assault weapons for civilians, and to relax, Ben Webster and Oscar Peterson, together.
“Grief Beyond Description”: In Orlando, Obama Comforts Survivors of Pulse Massacre
After meeting with the families, Obama and Biden went to the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, where they placed bouquets of 49 white roses — one for each of the people who died in the attack — at a makeshift memorial there.
Thursday Briefing: Ex-Bunnell Cop in Plea Over Porn Charges, Obama in Orlando, Trump’s Fear Power
Ex-Bunnell cop Michael Stavris was charged with computer porn and impersonating someone’s personal information online. The president visits families of the Orlando massacre. Trump thrives on fear. The commemoration of the 1960s’ mass arrest of rabbis in St. Augustine.
Gun Rights and Gun Control Measures Expected to Crowd Florida Legislature in Wake of Orlando
Democratic lawmakers on Wednesday called for a special session to halt gun sales to people on federal watch lists and to impose new requirements for becoming a security guard. Republican legislative leaders say a special session isn’t needed.
Wednesday Briefing: Muzzling Protest at GOP Convention, New Music Shop, Women Vets in St. Augustine, Schubert
The ACLU sues the ridiculous restrictions on protesters on Cleveland streets around the GOP National Convention next month, women veterans are recognized in St. Augustine, a new music shop opens in Palm Coast’s City Marketplace.
For LGBT, Always That Target on Their Backs
It turns out shooter Omar Marteen may have been motivated by both homophobia and Islamic radicalism. That should not come as a surprise, writes Nancy Smith.
Florida’s Political Landscape Riven By Orlando Massacre Even as Lasting Effects or Consequences Are Doubted
Politicians and consultants are as divided as the electorate about how candidates should treat the tragedy, and the split carries over to those who think the tragedy will have dissipated by November as opposed to those who think it will impact the election.
Adam Putnam Says Orlando Mass Murderer Had Cleared All Legally Required Background Checks
Putnam runs the state Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, which oversees weapons permits in Florida. The department hasn’t released Mateen’s application paperwork.
Gov. Scott Requests Federal Emergency Declaration in Wake of Orlando Massacre
Calling the massacre at an Orlando nightclub “an attack on our state and entire nation,” Gov. Rick Scott early Monday asked President Barack Obama for a federal emergency declaration in Florida.