TAMPA, Florida (AP) - The thousands of protesters expected at the Democratic and Republican national conventions can come armed with a lot more than signs and slogans: State law in Florida and North Carolina allows concealed weapons, including guns.

In Tampa, where the Republicans will hold their festivities this fall, officials are starting to worry about people toting guns in such a politically charged environment. The City Council voted Thursday to ask Republican Gov. Rick Scott to help them temporarily ban concealed weapons. Charlotte officials have yet to publicly voice concern, but with both cities trying to balance public safety with First and Second Amendment rights, it's likely the host city for the Democratic convention will also have to address the issue.

The Tampa City Council wants Scott to issue an executive order, preventing people with concealed weapons permits from carrying guns.

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) - With Charlotte set to walk into the national spotlight in just 5 months, the city reported Wednesday that crime in the first quarter of 2012 has increased 12 percent, a spike that reverses a year of decreasing crime rates.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department released the crime statistics at a press conference Wednesday morning.

Twelve homicides were reported through March, compared to six in 2011 during the same time period, resulting in a 100 percent increase.

Property crime increased by 10.4 percent while violent crimes were up by 23 percent.

The crime stats broke down as follows:

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) - A man was shot in the leg in a center city neighborhood Tuesday afternoon.

The incident was reported at 2:59 p.m. on the 1500 block of Burton Street, according to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.

The man was taken by medic to Presbyterian Hospital where his injuries were described as life threatening.

The shooters fled the area in a black Mitsubishi SUV.

Copyright 2012 WBTV. All rights reserved.