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.