Publix recently made headlines with an announcement that it will allow open carry in its stores. But what about other grocery stores in Jacksonville, such as Winn-Dixie, Rowe’s, Fresh Market, Aldi, Whole Foods, and Trader Joe’s?
On September 10, a state appeals court ruled Florida’s open carry ban unconstitutional. In response, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier posted on social media, stating, “Open carry is the law of the state.”
The court’s ruling applies only to individuals legally allowed to possess firearms and does not affect other existing gun law restrictions in Florida.
In Jacksonville, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office confirms that state and federal regulations continue to prohibit firearms in certain locations, including bars, schools, and government buildings. Private businesses, such as Publix, maintain the authority to establish their own firearm policies on their property.
While Publix has not explicitly confirmed that open carry is permitted, its statement to Florida Today suggests a permissive stance: “Treating customers with dignity and respect is a founding belief at Publix. In any instance where a customer creates a threatening, erratic or dangerous shopping experience — whether they are openly carrying a firearm or not — we will engage local law enforcement to protect our customers and associates.”
Meanwhile, other chains, such as Winn-Dixie, Aldi and Sam’s Club, have stated that they will continue to prohibit open carry in their Florida locations, including those in Jacksonville.
Here’s what to know before your next grocery run.
What does open carry mean?
Open carry means anyone can publicly carry a legally owned firearm in plain sight or partially concealed.
Is open carry legal in Jacksonville, Florida? Here’s what JSO says
In September, the First District Court of Appeal ruled Florida’s Open Carry Ban (Statute 790.053) unconstitutional, finding that prohibiting the open carry of firearms violates the Second Amendment. Following the decision, JSO leadership directed officers not to detain or arrest individuals solely for openly carrying a firearm.
Here’s what to know about open carry according to JSO:
Which grocery stores allow open carry? Can you open carry in Walmart, Costco, Trader Joe’s, Aldi, and Target stores in Jacksonville, Florida?
Publix locations in Jacksonville, Florida
There are 19 Publix stores in Jacksonville.
A new store is expected to open soon in Deerwood Village Shopping Center, located at 9964 Old Baymeadows Road.
Contributing: C.A. Bridges and Samantha Neely, USA Today Network-Florida.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Publix now allows open carry in Florida stores. What about Aldi, Winn-Dixie and others?
Reporting by Doris Alvarez Cea and C. A. Bridges, Jacksonville Florida Times-Union / Florida Times-Union
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
