To the Editor:
By Letters to the Editor
(Source: Villages-News.com)
As of September 25, 2025, open carry became legal in Florida. A person can now carry a firearm anywhere, including government buildings or government-owned outdoor areas in the State – as well as any privately owned business, unless they opt out. So what does that mean for “Florida’s Friendliest Hometown?” Well, imagine someone having consumed one too many at a town square and that someone is openly carrying a firearm when he/she spies someone wearing a tee shirt with a saying s/he doesn’t like? What could possibly go wrong? So just to be clear, according to The Villages administration, open carry is allowed everywhere in public facilities in The Villages.
But what about privately owned businesses, stores, and services in The Villages, like doctor’s offices? The owner can place a sign on the door stating firearms are not allowed. And that, thankfully, is perfectly legal.
What about grocery stores? Well, Publix is a place where shopping is no longer a pleasure. Their corporate office (863-688-1188) confirmed that open carry is allowed in all their Florida stores. But happily, we have lots of other choices where open carry is not allowed. In fact, every other major grocery store in The Villages area (Costco, Walmart, Sam’s Club, Aldi/Winn Dixie, Target, Sprouts, BJ’s) does NOT allow open carry. Grocery shopping is intimidating enough, given the sky-rocketing prices, without having to be on the lookout for someone with a gun!
By the way, interestingly, neither The Villages nor Publix allow their employees to open carry. Go figure.
Marsha Shearer
Village of Belle Aire
