Events - Event View

The impact guns have on crime and the challenges facing gun-safety advocates as the Florida Legislature begins considering a slew of new proposals that would allow concealed weapons permit holders to carry handguns into bars, police stations, jails, courthouses, polling places, colleges, and professional sporting events will be outlined by League of Women Voters of Florida Vice President Patricia Brigham, who is also head of the Gun Safety Committee. Moderating the discussion will be veteran journalist Mike Lafferty.

Orlando Police Chief John Mina will provide an update on gun crimes in Orlando and detail the new programs he has set in place since the Pulse shootings, which left 49 dead and 53 wounded.

Orlando Police Chief John Mina   Chief Mina is a member of the Central Florida Criminal Justice Association, the Florida Police Chief’s Association, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, Major Cities Chiefs Association, the Florida SWAT Association, and the FBI National Academy Associates. Chief Mina also serves on the Board of Directors for Heart of Florida United Way, Crimeline, the Camaraderie Foundation, Operation American Dream, and the Ana G. Mendez University Advisory Board. Read Chief Mina's full bio on the City of Orlando site HERE.

Patti Brigham, First Vice President, LOWV Florida Patti grew up in Orlando and earned a BA in Philosophy and an MA in Liberal Studies from the University of Central Florida. After several years at WeCare, Inc., a suicide prevention and crisis intervention center, Patti forged a career in radio as a reporter, writer, and producer. She received a number of awards from media organizations, including American Women in Radio and Television and the Associated Press. Additionally, she wrote about arts and culture as a freelance reporter for the Orlando Weekly. Patti formed and chairs the League’s statewide Gun Safety Committee and is a founding member of the Florida Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence   In her spare time, she volunteers for a marathon training program and cares for her retired racing greyhound, Callie, the fastest runner in the family.

Mike Lafferty, Former Orlando Sentinel Editor   Veteran journalist Mike Lafferty spent 29 years at the Orlando Sentinel during which time he was the Opinions Editor, oversaw Breaking News and Communities reporting teams, directed bureaus in Volusia and Osceola County. For several years Mike also wrote a column for the Sentinel’s Volusia County editions. His career at the Sentinel began in 1986 as a reporter in Brevard County. He currently is writing and reporting coach for the Villages Daily Sun newspaper and produced the State League’s 2016 Voter Guide.