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Clearwater asks state lawmakers to clarify stand your ground

 
A surveillance video recorded  the shooting of Markeis McGlockton by Michael Drejka [Screengrab from video provided by Pinellas County Sheriff's Office]
A surveillance video recorded the shooting of Markeis McGlockton by Michael Drejka [Screengrab from video provided by Pinellas County Sheriff's Office]
Published Aug. 23, 2018

CLEARWATER — The City Council recently passed a resolution asking lawmakers to reconsider holding a special session to clarify the controversial stand your ground law.

A measure to hold a special session, which would have needed support of three-fifths of both the Florida House and Senate, had previously failed mostly by Republican sway by 19-15 in the Senate and 58-33 in the House.

The Clearwater Council's resolution stated the law "creates an atmosphere in which firearms may be used in an inappropriate manner and allow for disproportionate responses of self-defense, thereby creating a danger to the community as a whole."

The debate was ignited after Michael Drejka shot and killed Markeis McGlockton on July 19 during a dispute over a handicap-reserved parking space at a convenience store near Clearwater.

Pinellas Sheriff Bob Gualtieri declined to arrest Drejka, citing the law. Pinellas-Pasco State Attorney Bernie McCabe charged Drejka with manslaughter after reviewing the case.