Florida State Sen. Chris Smith, frustrated by what he calls “stalling” by Gov. Rick Scott after the shooting death of unarmed teen Trayvon Martin, is launching a task force to review the controversial law at the center of the case, reports the Miami Herald. The governor created a task force to review Stand Your Ground two weeks ago, but has said the group will not convene until after the investigation into the Trayvon Martin shooting is completed.
Smith wanted faster action. His group, made up of legal professionals and law enforcement officers, will hold its first meeting tomorrow. He said local judges, attorneys and tourism officials will to show how the controversial law — which allows people to use deadly force when they are threatened — has affected the states. Smith announced a new website to solicit public comment: www.FloridaStandYourGround.org. Nicki Grossman, president of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau, will tell the task force that Florida's tourism industry could be harmed by the negative coverage the state is receiving in the media for its Stand Your Ground law.