A.G. Gancarski
In the latest signal of an irreparable breach between Florida’s Republican Governor and sole Democrat in the Cabinet, Nikki Fried called for a mask order for the second time in two days Friday.
“This is not about politics,” Fried tweeted. “This is about putting the health and safety of Floridians first … It’s time to take action, and require a mandatory mask mandate statewide.”
Fried noted that Florida’s Republican Senators, Rick Scott and Marco Rubio, agree with the call … though neither has advocated for a mask law on any level of government.
Though some cities have insisted upon masks in indoor public buildings, Gov. Ron DeSantis has resisted the call for a statewide order, including on Friday, when he said “that’s something that could make an impact,” but “police and criminal penalties … probably would backfire.”
Nonetheless, Fried, the current Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services, continues to push the Governor into a political decision he’s reluctant to make, as case counts surge, with nearly 9,000 new cases reported Friday.
“Florida has emerged as a new hotspot for COVID-19. While this pandemic threatens to spiral out of control, our leadership is rushing headlong into further re-opening the state,” Fried said Thursday, in a statement from her office.
“We must take basic protective measures immediately. That’s why today, I am calling on the Governor to issue a statewide order requiring masks to be worn in public places. This is common sense, violates no one’s liberties, and follows the lead of 18 other states like North Carolina, Kentucky, and New York. If we’re to beat this virus together, we must all act together, with all Floridians doing their part.”
North Carolina’s current mask order, it bears mentioning, resulted in Charlotte losing a big chunk of the Republican National Convention to Florida – specifically Jacksonville, which has no mask order and no plans to issue one.
Fried’s call for statewide indoor masking comes at a time when Florida’s COVID-19 case count is on the surge, with no abatement on the horizon.
On Bloomberg Radio, Fried made the case for a statewide mask order given the “transient” nature of the population, suggesting that the push to reopen the state was tied to the Republican National Convention coming to Florida in August.
For his part, the Governor is disinclined to mandate coverings of the sort Fried and many others want.
He said Tuesday that “you catch more flies with honey than vinegar.”
12 comments
ItsTimeforTruth
June 25, 2020 at 1:56 pm
waaa..
Frankie M.
June 25, 2020 at 3:09 pm
Yeah the guy who wouldn’t close down beaches is gonna institute a mask order?
That Guy
June 25, 2020 at 3:43 pm
Maybe she should worry about opening her offices up for business, as there are many consumers and licensed personnel who are facing the inability to earn a living because they cannot renew licenses which her offices controls, such as armed security guards, repossession agents and private investigators. Plus many Floridians are being denied their Second Amendment rights to legally carry firearms concealed because she shutdown license applications. Finally numerous consumers wronged or ripped off by regulated businesses under her Consumer Protections mandate are waiting for justice but have been ignored for nearly 90 days.
She isn’t the surgeon general, Chief Medical Officer or is trained in any of those skills. Instead she’d rather wear her “I’m a democrat” badge to further her agenda to either run for Governor or Senate in 2022. But while she wears that badge, Rome burns as her staff and office crumble around her.
Stanly Huckmyer
June 25, 2020 at 4:10 pm
We don’t need the Ag commissioner to tell its to wear mask. Quit trying to score cheap political points and focus on your job. The Ag commissioner should worry more about consumer fraud and lunches for starving children. Real policy maker you are “wear a mask.” you should continue to fire whoever is advising you!
Eric Larson
June 25, 2020 at 5:03 pm
Ms. Fried needs to do her JOB. Open up your offices so licenses can be renewed. Stop your politics of gun control. Open up your offices so those qualifying can get their conceal/ carry permits.
Stop running for governor.
RICHARD PEARCE
June 25, 2020 at 5:48 pm
This is literally a great example why WOMEN shouldn’t hold ANY political office or even vote.
They literally are dupes of the MARXIST money powers. MARXISTS always USE
the nurturing, mother-instincts of females to push SOCIALIST agendas.
Number 2 , the wearing of make-up shows how much they rely on ‘looks’ to get by.
Wash your face and take off the make-up, Nikki.
Shelton
June 25, 2020 at 6:21 pm
Well then stop the transients. Anyone notice it went from a mask to a veil. The road that leads to making this a muslim country. Also , I’ve noticed since the RNC is coming to Jacksonville FL , all of the sudden our Corona virus has escalated much more quickly.
Just sayin'
June 26, 2020 at 9:23 am
A hack playing to her base. Local governments are free to ban masks. A top down approach is not constructive.
Frankie M.
June 26, 2020 at 2:03 pm
I get it. Nobody likes taking orders from a woman unless she’s wearing leather and has a whip amirite. Maybe if there was a mask order she could open up her office to all the mouthbreathers out there? If that fails break out the leather.
We all know people aren’t happy unless they’re complaining about wearing masks so right now happiness is at an all time high. There’s some good news for you Duhdantis. Media should report that made up stat.
jon
June 26, 2020 at 4:43 pm
My body! My choice Hitler!
Booner
June 26, 2020 at 11:36 pm
More right wing nuts here who sound overtorqued. They stripped their threads trying to secure a Maskfree Nirvana. Go back to your ward and take your meds.
Crybabies and Snowflakes, just like the Loser in the West Wing, who is looking to rumble in DC this weekend. It’s time for another Munchhausen photo op with military that will make the GOP candidates cringe with embarrassment.
All those supporters of Trump, the cult members like the ones in Palm Beach County, they should all go to DC to get into this orange booger’s losers’ photo op.
K Brandt
June 27, 2020 at 4:03 pm
If Nikki wants me to wear a mask…she can visit me at home and attempt to put one on me! Otherwise, shut the heck up!
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