The Republican governor of Florida rejected Tuesday a request from Tampa's mayor to issue a temporary ban on firearms during the Republican National Convention, slated to take place at the Tampa Bay Times Forum at the end of August.

In a letter addressed to Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn, Gov. Rick Scott wrote such a ban would infringe on Floridians' constitutional right to bear arms.

"While the government may enforce longstanding prohibitions on the carrying of firearms in sensitive places such as schools and government buildings, an absolute ban on possession in entire neighborhoods and regions would surely violate the 2nd Amendment," Scott wrote.

He was responding to a letter from Buckhorn, also dated Tuesday, requesting Scott issue an executive order banning the transportation of firearms in downtown Tampa during the convention.

"As governor, you have the duty to meet dangers presented by events such as the RNC where there is a threat of substantial injury or harm to Florida residents and visitors to the state," Buckhorn wrote.

The Tampa mayor - a Democrat - said the crush of partisan activists to his city necessitated increased security measures beyond those already planned.

Buckhorn wrote, "Normally, licensed firearms carried in accordance with the Florida Statute requirements do not post a significant threat to the public; however in the potentially contentious environment surrounding the RNC, a firearm unnecessarily increases the threat of imminent harm and injury to the residents and visitors of the city."

In his response, Scott scoffed at the notion a ban on firearms should extend to all of downtown Tampa, saying the convention center and the area surrounding the building would already be under a gun ban enacted by the Secret Service.

"You are now requesting that citizens be disarmed in all of downtown Tampa, including in areas across the river, and distant, from the convention center and Secret Service safe zone," Scott wrote.

Buckhorn said Wednesday he was "disappointed" in Scott's decision.

"My job as mayor first and foremost is to protect the people of my city, and the law enforcement who serve on the front lines," Buckhorn wrote in a statement.

He added, "While I proudly support the Second Amendment and have held a concealed weapon permit myself, I believe this was a workable, temporary solution. Governor Scott made his position clear. I am disappointed, but we will plan and train accordingly."

CNN's Mark Preston and Emily Robards contributed to this report.