Palm Bay Police Host “Kicks For Guns” Today
By Space Coast Daily // August 16, 2012
No Questions Asked
BREVARD COUNTY • PALM BAY, FLORIDA – The Palm Bay Police Department will host the annual “Kicks for Guns” campaign from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. today.
The event will be in Riviera Park at 550 Riviera Drive NE.
“Kicks for Guns” is a completely anonymous program that allows area residents to trade in unloaded firearms in exchange for a $50 gift cards and fuel cards with no questions asked. Pellet guns and air guns earn a restaurant coupon.
“The idea is to remove unwanted guns from the community that can potentially become the target of thieves,” said Sgt. Ron Lugo. “If we can prevent gun crimes from occurring by removing targets of opportunity, that’s a win for everyone.”
Last year officers collected hundreds of firearms including mostly shotguns, rifles, semi-automatic handguns and revolvers. The gift cards were purchased using forfeiture funds, which is money seized from criminals as a result of their suspected illegal activities.
“Kicks for Guns” is in its 12th year. Originally guns were traded in for new shoes at a single location. Because of changing economic conditions the program shifted to gift cards.
Anyone wishing to turn in firearms should make sure the weapons are safely unloaded and properly secured in the vehicle when arriving at the park entrance.
Officers and Police Department personnel will retrieve all weapons and provide a ticket in order to enter the park to obtain the gift card.
The event is sponsored by the Palm Bay Police Department, the Central Florida CRIMELINE, KISS 95.1 FM Clearchannel Radio, Real Radio 104.1 Monsters of the Morning, Papa John’s Pizza, Chick fil-A, Burger King and McDonald’s.
For more information, call 321-426-5194.
