"Florida firearm violence hits record low; concealed gun permits up"

I wouldn't put very much weight on time-series data from one state and obviously other factors aren't being controlled for, but it is consistent with what I would expect.  The story is interesting if only for it shows that there is some positive news about guns in the media.  From a TV station in Naples, Florida:

In the so-called Gunshine State, home to the most gun permits in the country, firearm violence has fallen to the lowest point on record. 

As state and national legislators consider gun control laws in the wake of last month's Connecticut school shooting, Florida finds itself in a gun violence depression. The firearm-involved violent crime rate has dropped 33 percent between 2007 and 2011, while the number of issued concealed weapons permits rose nearly 90 percent during that time, state records show.  

"We're happy to have facts and statistics put into these debates, because every time they do, we win," said Sean Caranna, executive director of Florida Carry Inc., a pro-gun-rights advocacy group. . . .