Florida State law allows firearms in many public venues including in parks. While the City acknowledges and upholds all Florida laws, we ask residents to refrain from bringing firearms to Marco Island parks.
On the evening of Tuesday, June 3rd four men played billiards at Mackle Park. One of the men was observed via video camera placing a small bag on the floor near the pool table. When the men left the park at 8:00pm, the bag was left behind and was discovered the next morning by a City employee who found a firearm inside. Marco Island Police Department were notified. MIPD responded immediately and searched the building to ensure no other weapons were on scene. The firearm was secured by police, and the owner was identified and contacted. The building was determined to be safe and summer camp resumed at Mackle Park as of 8:30am on the morning of June 4th.
In addition to this recent incident, in April 2024, an individual brought a firearm to the dog park at Mackle Park. The firearm was left behind when the individual departed. The firearm was discovered by another dog park visitor who turned it in to MIPD. It is believed that in both cases, the firearms were left behind inadvertently. While there were no injuries and no discharge of either firearm, these acts of carelessness can endanger the public. Hundreds of residents, including many children, visit Mackle Park every day. While we respect the rights outlined in State law and in the Constitution, public safety is the highest priority for City officials. We strongly encourage people not to bring firearms into City parks.
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