JEA Will Not Allow Guns at Work

JACKSONVILLE, FL -- JEA will add its name to other Florida companies that decided not allow employees to take guns to work, despite a new law.

In a memo sent on June 27 to employees, William L. Bland, Manager of Security for JEA, states "as many of you are aware, the Florida Legislature recently passed and Governor Crist signed into law... the 'Preservation and Protection of the Right to Keep and Bear Arms in Motor Vehicles Act of 2008.'

"Briefly, the law allows employees, as defined by the Statute, who possess a valid Florida Concealed Weapon or Firearm License issued pursuant to F.S. 790.06 to possess a legally owned firearm that is lawfully possessed and locked inside or to a private motor vehicle."

JEA claims there are exceptions to the new statute's provisions and the new law does not apply.

"The City of Jacksonville's Office of the General Counsel has researched the language and provisions of the statute and has advised that JEA facilities fall under the exceptions where firearms and other weapons may be prohibited.

"Therefore, firearms will continue to be prohibited on JEA property."

The memo goes on to say that JEA employees, contract employees or contractors doing business with the JEA should not bring guns to any property or have them in their possession.

JEA is joining two Florida theme parks and Georgia Pacific's paper plant in Palatka, Florida.