Florida Governor Ron DeSantis will pardon gym owners Thursday who were threatened with up to 120 days of jail time for breaking mask mandates and COVID-19 restrictions at their businesses. He also intends to grant clemency to all other Floridians who defied local coronavirus rules.
During an appearance on Fox News Wednesday night with a couple who were arrested for not enforcing mask-wearing at their gyms, DeSantis stated that he would sign a reprieve for the business owners.
DeSantis then said that Florida’s clemency board, comprised of the governor and members of his Cabinet, will pardon “any Floridian that may have outstanding infractions for things like masks and social distancing.” The board has the power to issue pardons and cancel fines with the approval of two members.
“It’s a total overreach. These things with health should be advisory, they should not be punitive,” DeSantis added. Read more…