WINTER GARDEN, Fla. – A debate over gun rights and safety is playing out at a Winter Garden park after the Florida attorney general ordered the city to remove signs banning weapons, saying they violate state law.
The signs at Tucker Ranch Recreation and Nature Complex became the center of a larger conversation among families, neighbors, and community leaders about what safety should look like in a public space.
For years, Sandree Wetteland brought her children to Tucker Ranch, where signs warned visitors that weapons were not allowed. Now, she finds herself caught between two sides of the debate.
“We don’t have any guns in our household due to us having kids,” Wetteland said. “However, with that being said, I am all for protecting yourself.”
In a release, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier said he sent the letter because the city had put up signs banning weapons at Tucker Ranch Recreation and Nature Complex violates state law, giving leaders until Aug. 15 to remove the signs.
We sent a letter to the City of Winter Garden because their signs banning firearms at Tucker Ranch Recreation and Nature Complex violate Florida law.
— Attorney General James Uthmeier (@AGJamesUthmeier) July 15, 2026
Failure to correct these signs will result in appropriate legal action by my office. pic.twitter.com/rHA8XCM9gG
In a statement, the city’s attorney says the sign was old and predated current state law. Officials said the signs would be removed, and by the time News 6 visited the park, they no longer appeared to be posted.
But for people who live nearby, the discussion is far from over.
“They should have left it up there because the kids play out there and there wouldn’t be guns,” one neighbor said.
Others said they believe people should have the right to carry firearms.
“I think people should have the right to bear arms,” another resident said. “That’s one of the things we love about Florida.”
The issue has also drawn support from a nearby church, which said it believes keeping firearms out of the park helps create a safer environment.
“I understand the right to bear arms, but there are some places where there seems like it should be some common sense to say we don’t need guns here,” the pastor said.
For Wetteland, the debate comes down to balancing personal protection with peace of mind for families.
“Being a mom of two kids, it’s a little risky being out here alone,” she said. “But at the same time, you just have to be aware of your surroundings.”
The city’s decision removes the sign, but the conversation over guns, rights, and safety at public parks continues.