The Sarasota Police Department collected 30 firearms, including various rifles, handguns, shotguns, and various types of ammunition, during the second ‘Done with a Gun’ turn-in event held Saturday, May 13, 2023.  The first event was held in January 2022, where 31 firearms were turned in. There were two drop-off locations Saturday, including Sarasota Police Headquarters and the Sarasota Police Substation.

“We consider Saturday’s ‘Done with the Gun’ turn-in event a huge success,” said Sarasota Police Chief Rex Troche.  “30 firearms will be disposed of properly and stay out of the hands of children and possible criminals. Our community came forward to dispose of firearms and ammunition responsibly, eliminating the risk of theft, misuse, or accidental discharge. This is another way we’re committed to keeping the City of Sarasota a safe place to live, work, and play,” said Troche.

The firearms collected will be taken to an incinerator in Lee County to be destroyed.  The Sarasota Police Department Explosive Materials Unit (EMU) will destroy the ammunition collected.  All firearms collected were run through a law enforcement database to ensure they had not been reported stolen or used in a crime.  None of the firearms collected on Saturday were reported stolen or used in a crime. 

If residents could not attend Saturday’s ‘Done with the Gun’ turn-in event, the Sarasota Police Department accepts unwanted firearms year-round.  Residents with unwanted firearms or ammunition can call the Sarasota Police Department Property Unit at 941-263-6040 to learn how to bring unwanted firearms or ammunition to the Sarasota Police Department properly.

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