Boca Chamber Official Statement: Parkland Tragedy

In the wake of the tragedy that occurred at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, FL, the business leaders of the Boca Chamber mourn with the Parkland community and continue to pray for the healing of all the victims and their families involved on that horror filled day.

Safety is paramount in our communities and one of the critical pillars of economic development that leads to economic prosperity. We all want to live, work, learn and play in a community that is safe.

To that end, we feel it is time for the business community to lead in calling for sustained efforts to ensure that no community across the United States has to endure what Parkland, and many other communities, have experienced in the last two decades. There is not a single solution to this complex issue, but rather a comprehensive, multi-pronged strategy needed to affect meaningful change.

We believe the following areas are in need of reform:  

• An improved system to identify those with signs of mental illness including the appropriate recording of critical information to a central repository for access to all relevant law enforcement and health care agencies
• Legislation that prohibits the sale of assault rifles as well as a definitive ban on bump stock and similar mechanisms that allow semi automatic weapons to perform as automatic weapons
• More effective background checks on those wishing to purchase firearms including efficient and direct communication to and from the mental health central repository
• Legislation that would increase the minimum age limit to purchase firearms to 21 years of age, with the only exception being active members of law enforcement and military
• Enhanced security of school campuses that include the hardening and fortification of the facility, limited campus access including a single point of entry and implementation of current technology to assist security officials in their efforts to identify safety threats
• Increased full-time, permanent, on campus, armed law enforcement officials protecting our children while they are attending school

The Boca Chamber's leadership is committed to advancing the stated recommendations and leading efforts to meaningful, common-sense and immediate change. We will work with all applicable law enforcement and educational agencies, as well as business and community leaders so that no other lives are lost in the confines of a school. We will be counting on our state and national elected representatives to pass legislation that provides immediate solutions. 

We are committed to working together, holding each other accountable and ultimately, protecting our children. 

Committed to Change,

Troy M. McLellan, CCE, FCCP

President & CEO

Boca Chamber

Ethel Isaacs Williams, Chair

Kaufman Lynn Construction

Susan Saturday, Chair-Elect

Bluegreen Vacations & BBX Capital Companies

Michael Daszkal, Vice-Chair

Daszkal Bolton LLP

Jim Dunn, Treasurer

JM Lexus

Jerry Fedele, Immediate Past-Chair

Boca Raton Regional Hospital