ORLANDO, Fla. – Central Florida gun owners on Thursday turned in their weapons to authorities -- with no questions asked -- in exchange for a gift card, gas card or shoes.
Several hundred guns, including a Vietnam-era rifle with a bayonet, were turned in by noon as 13 law enforcement agencies across Central Florida hosted the 14th annual "Kicks 4 Guns" event, which was started by Real Radio 104.1 in Orlando.
Gun owners received a $50 gift card for turning in a gun, although some agencies offered gas cards or shoes as options.
[Related: List of drop-off locations (PDF)]
The rifle with the bayonet was turned in by a woman who said her husband brought it back from Vietnam. Five illegal sawed-off shotguns were returned at a Brevard County location.
The event was created as a way to safely remove unwanted guns from homes.
According to the Orlando Police Department, Central Florida agencies collected more than 2,200 weapons combined during the 2011 event. Agencies are hoping to collect up to 2,500 weapons this year.
The Orlando Police Department is also offering to pick up weapons from senior citizens within its jurisdiction. Those interested in scheduling a pickup can call the police department at 321-235-5300.
In Osceola County, residents will receive $50 gas cards in exchange for their weapons.