YULEE, Fla — Gunshots are a familiar sound at Amelia Shotgun Sports -- but to some folks, it's frightening.
"It sounded like a war zone. It was hundreds and hundreds of rounds of arms being discharged," Heather Wilcox said.
Wilcox has a kindergartner at Yulee Primary School, which is next door to the gun range. She said the constant firing is disruptive, both to teachers and students.
"You do have children that, if they have ADHD or issues of being easily distracted -- it can be a problem," she said.
We went straight to the owners of Amelia Shotgun Sports to talk about Wilcox's concerns. We were taken on a tour and learned: all firing is done inward, so there's no chance of kids getting hit by pellets. The thick vegetation also acts as a buffer between the noise and the school.
"The principal should have been over here saying, 'Hey, can you come to my orientation meeting and dissolve any problems we may have because of your range that's out here?'" Barbara Martin with Amelia Shotgun Sports said.
Wilcox is trying to get parents to sign her petition, which asks for the range to change its hours to after school lets out.
"At this point, I would just like to come to a compromise and be good neighbors," she said.
“We're a business. I have to make money to stay in business."
Amelia Shotgun Sports said those who have questions and concerns are always welcome to take a tour during open hours, or by appointment. For now, they'll continue business as normal.
Wilcox plans on taking her list of petitions to the Nassau County Commission meeting Oct. 15.
WJAX
