STARKE, Fla. (WCJB) — A lawsuit has been filed over a policy banning open carry of firearms at the Bradford County Fairgrounds, with a man claiming the restriction is illegal because the property is publicly owned.
The complaint was filed on Monday by Christopher Rose, who said he was attending the fair with his daughter when he noticed signs at the entrance stating “Open Carry Prohibited.” Rose said he asked people at the fair whether the grounds were public or private property, but received different answers.
When he returned the next day and asked fair staff and law enforcement about the policy, Rose said he was told he could not enter while openly carrying a firearm. A deputy told him he would not be arrested for open carry but could face trespassing charges if he refused to leave…