Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ mixed messaging is stirring confusion among local officials, particularly around in-person worship services
, a move that handed a legal victory to a Tampa pastor at the center of a brewing national battle over religious liberty in the age of coronavirus.
“I have been hearing the argument that we do not have a right to close or restrict places of worship,” Sunrise Mayor Mike RyanStrum, whose emails were obtained by POLITICO from local officials concerned about the mixed messages coming from DeSantis, forwarded the email to the governor’s top attorney, Joe Jacquot, who said the order has next to no impact on local government authority.
“So yes you can use your own authority to close or restrict how any business/organization must comply with your codes,” Jacquot wrote. “The Governor’s Order does not give a business/organization any ‘right’ to avoid your codes.”DeSantis himself has added to the confusion. The day after he unveiled — and amended — the order, he called it a “baseline.” If a local government wants “to do things more, then they can do things more,” he told reporters on April 2.
“The Governor’s [executive order] limits the movement of individuals,” Ferre said. “This is not in conflict with local authorities ability to adopt requirements directly on businesses, operations or venues, including beaches, and parks, that may be stricter than the Governor’s Executive Order.”
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Bronx Zoo Tiger Tests Positive for Coronavirus, First U.S.-Based AnimalThe first animal in America has tested positive for COVID-19, the Bronx Zoo says.
Read more »
'Things are normalizing': ETF market action is 'encouraging' despite economic worries, investor saysExchange-traded funds may have found some stability after the market's coronavirus fallout despite lingering worries about the economy, says investor John Davi.
Read more »
Police department calls out Pink Floyd fans for breaking stay-at-home order: 'Sadly I'm sure we all wish we could be here''This thing is killing people left and right,' a New Jersey police chief says after shutting down the gathering.
Read more »
Queen Elizabeth II speaks out on the coronavirus in rare special address: 'Better days will return'The 93-year-old royal spoke of self-isolating, saying, 'we know, deep down, that it is the right thing to do.'
Read more »
21 Best Flower & Plant Delivery Services For Mother's Day (And Quarantine Fights)If you can't say over Zoom, say it with flowers.
Read more »
Brie Bella Is Worried About Balancing Everything When Baby No. 2 ArrivesBrie Bella revealed exclusively to Us Weekly that she isn't sure yet how she'll continue to work after her second baby arrives — read more
Read more »