Sheriff's Office to hold gun turn-in

Gun owners can receive $50 for turning in unwanted firearms to the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office.

The Sheriff’s Office will hold a community gun turn-in from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13 in the Robarts Arena parking lot, 3000 Ringling Blvd., and Holy Ghost Ministry, 3707 North Washington Blvd.

The Sheriff’s Office has held three round-ups in the last 5 years: in April 2011, Feb. 2010, and Dec. 2009. It collected 380 firearms total from the three events.

The office decided to wait until this year for another turn-in because participation in the events declined, said Wendy Rose, the Community Affairs Manager.

According to a press release, 232 firearms were reported as stolen last year in Sarasota County.

“The gun turn-in event is intended to help reduce the number of firearms available to those who would commit crime or high risk individuals who may harm themselves or others after coming in contact with a firearm,” said Sheriff Tom Knight in the release.

The turn-in is anonymous, and only working firearms will be accepted. Residents will get $50 per firearm.

The Sheriff’s Office will have weapons experts at the event to answer questions.

After collection, the firearms will be destroyed, Rose said.