Bradenton Housing Authority implements 'No Weapons' policy after discovering armed employees

BRADENTON -- Bradenton Housing Authority Executive Director Ellis Mitchell Jr. said he was caught by surprise during a staff meeting last month when some employees acknowledged they came armed with concealed firearms while on the job.

Mitchell said he schedules staff to never be alone in BHA offices at 2201 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. He was conducting a scheduling meeting with staff when one said: "Don't worry about me. I'm protected."

Mitchell asked the employee what was meant by the statement. It was revealed at least two employees carry a firearm at work on a regular basis.

"Under state of Florida law, an employer cannot prohibit an employee from lawfully bringing a gun to work in

their vehicle, but it does have to be left in the vehicle and has to remain concealed," said Mitchell.

The BHA Board unanimously passed a resolution Thursday banning weapons from inside all agency buildings, including maintenance facilities.

"Our policy will say no weapons in the buildings and I mean no weapons of any kind," said Mitchell. "I've ordered 'No Weapons' signs for the doors and next month we will have metal security wands to use at all facilities."

Mitchell said the staff was under the assumption legally carrying firearms was allowed because previous staff members, including leadership personnel during the tenure of former Executive Director Wenston DeSue, were also armed.

Under DeSue, employees said the BHA was a hostile work environment due to his affair with former projects manager Stephany West.

Discussion among board members about the weapons ban was minimal, but the general consensus was BHA employees, if hurt on the job by someone else, are covered under the agency's liability insurance.

Mark Young, Herald urban affairs reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7041 or follow him on Twitter @urbanmark2014.

This story was originally published May 12, 2016 at 11:26 PM with the headline "Bradenton Housing Authority implements 'No Weapons' policy after discovering armed employees ."