Gov. DeSantis Event Under Investigation; part of a larger Floridian pattern

Governor DeSantis' near-maskless rally in Palm Beach is part of a larger trend

An in-person event held on Friday by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is now under investigation for violating local health mandates. The event, which was held in a Palm Beach hotel, comprised over one hundred people, most of whom were unmasked. With Gov. DeSantis' controversial attitude to COVID-19 guidelines, the Palm Beach mini-rally is part of a larger pattern of behavior by the Florida governor and is sure to provoke further outrage directed at DeSantis. 

DeSantis has a long and stubborn history with opposing local COVID-19 rules, opposing them where he can. In the case of lockdowns, DeSantis has consistently maintained his position that mask-mandates and lockdowns are ineffective, despite local attempts to institute their own. In a press conference on January 4th, DeSantis explained his view saying, "We will categorically not allow any local government to lock people down. We will not let any local government kick anybody out of their job,” rejecting attempts by local communities to gain more control over their regulations. 

DeSantis' opposition does exist in a vacuum. While his opposition to more regulations and mandates is ongoing, so too are the rises of COVID-19. In Palm Beach County, the local health department tallied 649 new cases of COVID-19, the highest recorded since February 5th. Across the state, COVID cases have begun to rise above the average, as an estimated 7,342 new cases have been confirmed. Yesterday, the state surpassed 30,000 COVID-related deaths, bringing a new sense of urgency to the fray. 

Still, DeSantis has remained unmoved, noting that deaths are declining across the country and suggesting that the rise in deaths in Florida is due to the season. In fact, DeSantis has openly mocked those who suggest that mask-wearing has brought cases down in the state, showing his opposition to state and local restrictions is unlikely to end soon.

Whatever happens, the conflict between Governor DeSantis and the local municipalities of Florida seems likely to continue on into the pandemic. Whether or not that will mean more cases and deaths remains to be seen.