A Florida gun rights group called Florida Carry recently filed ethics complaints against 10 Florida university police chiefs including UNF’s Frank Mackesy after the chiefs traveled to Tallahassee on March 16 to testify against a bill that would allow guns on college campuses.

According to Jacksonville resident Eric Friday, general counsel of Florida Carry, the gun rights group obtained public records that show the police chiefs were advised prior to the trip not to take time off while traveling to the Capitol, meaning they were on the clock using taxpayer dollars to send them to Tallahassee.

Friday’s complaint centered on his interpretation of Florida law, saying that since the police chiefs did not register as lobbyists, they were not allowed to oppose the bill. They were only allowed to provide information.

Spinnaker requested an interview with Mackesy, but UNF Public Relations said that Mackesy would not be commenting at this time.* Spinnaker called Mackesy at 6:28 p.m. April 8 and has not received a call back.*

*4/8/15 at 7:19 p.m. – Updated with requested interview information.

*4/10/15 at 5:43 p.m. – Updated with requested interview information

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