Law enforcement agencies collected hundreds of firearms Thursday during annual gun buyback events in Central Florida.

Law enforcement agencies collected 774 guns Thursday.

  • Orange County: 119
  • Orlando: 74
  • Osceola County: 96
  • Palm Bay: 105
  • Volusia County: 61 Guns

In Osceola County, we found out a recent uptick in gun-related crimes made collecting these unwanted guns a priority.

“It makes it safer so criminals can’t get their hands on it and small children can’t get their hands on it,” said sheriff’s office spokesperson Twis Lizasuain.

For those donating, it’s a chance to get rid of something they view as a possible danger in the wrong hands.

“You can find a gun practically anywhere in Osceola, Orange or Central Florida,” said Rex Reeder, who turned in his gun. “But, I didn’t want that gun to end up in somebody’s hands where they would use it for something other than what it was supposed to be used for.”

Despite an increase of gun related crimes during the spring and summer of 2013 to 2014, the sheriff’s office says these guns being turned in means fewer are found on the streets.

“You never know who is going to get ahold of it,” Reeder said.

Next year the sheriff’s office hopes they collect even more firearms.