The task force being formed by Gov. Rick Scott in reaction to the Trayvon Martin-George Zimmerman shooting in Sanford will be announced within two weeks, the governor said Wednesday.
Theyre going to review laws like Stand Your Ground to make sure Floridians feel safe, Scott said while appearing on WBDO 96.5 FM in Orlando.
Were at a 40-year low in our crime rate, weve done the right things in our state. The prison population is coming down because weve done the right thing.But whenever something like this happens, you have to look at it.
The task force on Citizens Safety and Protection was announced by Scott March 22 as special prosecutor Angela Corey was assigned to the case as protests grew about the handling of the case by the Sanford police.
Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll has already been named to head the task force, with the Rev. R.B. Holmes, a prominent minister from Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Tallahassee, as vice chair.
Other members will be recommended by legislative leaders and Attorney General Pam Bondi.
Senate President Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island, on Wednesday recommended Scott appoint from the following members: Sen. Larcenia Bullard, D-Miami; Sen. Greg Evers, R-Crestview; Sen. Andy Gardiner, R-Orlando; Sen. Arthenia Joyner, D-Tampa; Sen. David Simmons, R-Altamonte Springs; Sen. Gary Siplin, D-Orlando; and Sen. Chris Smith, D-Oakland Park.
Siplin and Smith both called for Scott to create the task force.
House Speaker Dean Cannon, R-Winter Park, is expected to make his appointment this week.
The task force is expected to hold public hearings.
Zimmerman, 28, a volunteer neighborhood watchman, claims he acted in self-defense under the states Stand Your Ground law, when he shot Martin, 17, on Feb. 26 in what escalated into a nationwide, racially charged case.
Corey announced April 11 that Zimmerman is being charged with second-degree murder.
Reach Jim Turner at jturner@sunshinestatenews.com or at (772) 215-9889.
