Pinellas launches first large-scale gun buyback

By MIKE BRASSFIELD

© St. Petersburg Times, published September 15, 2000

Last year, John Kerutis of St. Petersburg had to drive all the way to Tampa to get rid of his guns. Four counties around Tampa Bay collected nearly 2,000 unwanted guns in a buyback program, but Pinellas wasn't one of them.

"I wish there had been something closer to home," Kerutis said.

This year, there is.

On Saturday, Pinellas County residents will have four locations where they can turn over guns in exchange for $50 gift certificates. This will be Pinellas' first large-scale gun buyback.

Pasco, Hillsborough, Manatee, Polk and Sarasota counties also will be buying back guns Saturday as part of a regional effort called Cease Fire Tampa.

Typically, most of the guns that get turned in are old rifles and small-caliber handguns, passed down through generations and collecting dust. The idea is to dispose of them before they fall into children's hands or are stolen and used in a crime.

"These unwanted guns are a health hazard for children," said Pinellas sheriff's Capt. Frank Holloway. From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, people can bring guns to the Gulfport Police Department, 2401 53rd Ave. S; the Largo Police Department, 201 Highland Ave. NE; the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, 10750 Ulmerton Road; and the sheriff's North District Station, 737 Louden Ave., Dunedin.

In exchange for guns, people will get $50 gift certificates good at Beall's department stores or Winn-Dixie supermarkets. There's a limit of three certificates per person, no matter how many guns that person brings in.

People are asked to bring their guns unloaded and in some sort of container. "Even a cardboard box or shoebox," Holloway said. "Just don't lay it on the seat next to them."

If someone isn't comfortable unloading a gun, police officers will do that for them.

All the guns will be destroyed, officials said.

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