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Michael Taylor, 38, is organizing an open carry fishing tournament on Memorial Day in Fort Pierce. He talks Thursday, April 19, 2018, about his feelings on the 2nd Amendment and the right to carry a firearm. WILL GREENLEE/TCPALM Wochit
Buy PhotoMichael Taylor, of Port St. Lucie, carries his Glock handgun on his hip while fishing at Sandsprit Park in Stuart. "You can open carry while fishing, hunting and camping, or going to and from, and to a gun range. If it’s a legitimate gun range, you can open carry while doing it," said Taylor.(Photo: ERIC HASERT/TCPALM)Buy PhotoFlorida municipalities are joining forces to sue the state, saying they should have the right to create their own local gun rules that supersede state laws.Gun-free zones, high-capacity magazine bans and even informational gun-law signs in local parks and facilities are among the prohibitions in a law the Legislature passed in 1987 that gives the state total control over enacting gun laws. More: Fishing gathering embraces Second Amendment in Fort Pierce[1]If local officials enact a gun ordinance, the state can fine them up to $5,000 and/or remove them from office under a law the Legislature passed in 2011, with National Rifle Association backing. If a group sues a municipality over a gun ordinance, public money cannot be used to defend the local government, that law also says.No Treasure Coast municipalities have announced plans to join the legal challenge.Free speech violation?The plaintiffs argue the fines and penalties violate their right to free speech.They include nearly two dozen municipalities and some of their elected officials, who either have joined the lawsuit or have said they intend to.More: City hires lawyer to join fight to overturn state gun law[2]The state has not enforced the law, 