BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor
On Saturday, December 10th, the City of Tampa will sponsor a gun buy back. City Council members unanimously approved a $25,000 to help remove guns from the streets in light of a recent rash of shootings and murders committed with guns.
The Tampa Police Department has taken steps to simplify the process for those wishing to surrender unwanted handguns. The host site for the buy back is the Seminole Heights Baptist Church, 801 E. Hillsborough Avenue, between 8 a.m., and 5 p.m.
Ms. Janelle McGregor, spokesperson for the Tampa Police Department said, “The guns must be operable, it can’t be a gun barrel or a part of a gun.
One person can turn in as many guns as he or she would like. We are giving $50 per gun, not per person.”
She further stated that in addition to the host site, if someone cannot get to the location, that person can call the police at (813) 231-6130 Saturday only and an officer will come to you and pick up the gun.
“We want the people to bring the guns and there will be no questions asked. They can also drop the guns off at Greater Friendship Baptist Church, 4413 N. 35th Street on Saturday,” she said.
“We are accepting pistols, revolvers, rifles, and shotguns. We feel the more people we can encourage to turn in guns, the safer the streets will be.”
Police are requesting that anyone turning in a gun to make sure the weapon is not loaded and in a plastic bag. While transporting the weapon, it should be placed inside the trunk of the car or inside a box. An officer will either remove it or pick it up.
Ms. McGregor said that if the person is unfamiliar with the weapon or does not know how to unload it, safety is the first concern. If that person calls, someone will come and pick the gun up.
Residents planning to drop off a gun can also do so during the holiday meal at the 29th Street Church Of Christ, 3310 N. 29th Street, between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Team members will be on hand to accept the weapons during those hours.
In addition to the press conference, a “Stop The Violence From Dope To Hope March” will take place Saturday, December 10th, 3 p.m., at Greater Mount Carmel AME Church, 4209 N. 34th Street. The march will end at Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church.
A Candlelight Vigil will immediately follow.
Pictured: Mrs. Mary Reynolds, grandmother of 16-year-old Jamarie Hodges, spoke at a press conference Tuesday morning. Jamarie was fatally shot November 6th outside of his residence when he attempted to help a friend.
