Florida Gov. Rick Scott has ordered Florida National Guard recruiters to work from nearby armories after last week's attacks in Tennessee that killed four Marines and one sailor.
In the executive order issued on Saturday, the Republican governor said he wants recruiters to move from six storefront locations into armories until state officials can evaluate and make security improvements, including possibly installing bullet-proof glass or enhanced surveillance equipment.
"I had the opportunity to serve in the U.S. Navy," Scott said. "During my service, I expected to be safe. I’m going to do everything under my power to make sure every member, men and women, of our National Guard is safe."
Scott ordered the full-time guardsmen to be armed, as did governors in Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Indiana.
Of the six Florida National Guard recruiting stations closing, one is in Orlando and two are in the Tampa area. The governor said a weapon will be given to members of the guard who do not currently have them.
- Brandon: 757 W. Brandon Blvd.
- Jacksonville: 8622 Baymeadows Rd.
- Miami: 1321 SW 107th Ave.
- Orange Park: 2141 Loch Rane Blvd.
- Orlando: 2931 E. Colonial Dr.
- Temple Terrace: 10660 North 56th St.
Since the Tennessee shootings, security at recruiting centers has come under scrutiny. Military officials have said security at recruiting and reserve centers will be reviewed, but the Army's top officer, Gen. Ray Odierno, said it's too early to say whether the facilities should have security guards or other increased protection.
Federal law has prohibited the use of firearms on military installations since 1992. The state's 55 National Guard armories are state buildings with tighter security and allow weapons with concealed weapons permits.
"We've got to understand that you know we have people in our country that want to harm the military," Scott said. "They need to be safe and they need to be armed."
Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.