On Wednesday, April 15, Leon County commissioners reenacted their county-wide curfew. The original plans for a curfew were canceled on April 1 when, according to the Tallahassee Democrat, Gov. Ron DeSantis’ “safer at home” executive order overrode it.
Leon County Commission Chairman Bryan Desloge had the following to say about the original cancellation of the curfew: “The primary point of the curfew was to allow law enforcement to stop people … now the reality is they can stop people and ask if what they are doing is essential. The executive order does what we are trying to accomplish.”
Now, however, the commissioners are reinstating the curfew to ensure that Leon County residents take the order seriously. The curfew will be held from 11:00 pm to 5:00 am, much like the original one.
The Tallahassee Democrat also reported that “health officials are predicting the apex of Florida’s cases of the virus in late April –confirmed numbers reached more than 21,600 Tuesday – but locally models point to a possibly more extended timeframe leading into May or June.”
Commissioner Mary Ann Lindley was the one to make the motion, which was passed unanimously.
Commissioner Lindley wants to make sure everyone understands that “it’s still a very grave situation here. We don’t want people to think the time has come to exhale.”
What does this mean for Tallahassee residents? For one, it means you must be off the streets and in your house by 11:00 at night, but many are questioning how these new rules will be enforced.
According to WTXL Tallahassee, efforts have already started taking place. At the Orange-Meridian Park, the benches have been removed to prevent crowds of 10 or more from gathering before or after curfew.
Apparently, even after the stay at home order, TPD broke up 72 gatherings with 10 or more people. WTXL wants people to know that “law enforcement does have the right to give citations, notices to appear, and to arrest people if needed if they are in violation of the order.”
On the other end of the spectrum, some residents are happy to comply with the renewed curfew orders.
Zachary Goodson says he doesn’t mind complying with the curfew if it means stopping the spread.
“I appreciate Leon County stepping up and taking charge of this,” said Zachary Goodson, Leon County resident. “That’s what federalism is about after all but it would be great to see more, stricter action from the state government, in my opinion.”
Other locations around the state are reacting differently to times like these. According to News4Jax, Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry is confident that the precautions taken by the city have effectively flattened the curve. So confident, in fact, that he is reopening the local beaches.
Of course, not without restrictions. Beaches will only be open from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. and then again from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. They are also only open for essential activities that are consistent with social distancing guidelines, “such as walking, biking, hiking, fishing, running, swimming, taking care of pets and surfing.”
No matter where you are living during this quarantine season, it is important to be aware of and respect the regulations that are in place in your location.
Want to see more HCFSU? Be sure to like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest!