Manatee County Commission must make masks mandatory to fight COVID-19 | Letter to the editor

Like others who have written, I was dismayed than an order that masks to be worn in all public places was not passed by Manatee County commissioners.

Simply “recommending wearing masks,” as passed, actually gives permission not to wear them and I fear that will be the pattern followed. As Manatee County COVID-19 cases increase daily, bold action by our commission is necessary, like those passed by neighboring counties, Pinellas, Hillsborough and Pasco. I urge the Manatee commission to consult those counties, to learn how/why they were able to successfully pass an ordinance.

With Manatee County having a large senior population, as well as a large number of active youth, that combination is ripe for rapid COVID spreading. Even much more so without masks.

I urge Commissioner Misty Servia to reintroduce the ordinance (supported by Commissioners Carol Whitmore and Reggie Bellamy), hoping it will pass. Hopefully, now seeing Anna Maria and Holmes Beach pass such ordinance will convince remaining Manatee commissioners.

Of course, if our president and governor had made the call for mandatory masks, individual counties wouldn’t be struggling with passage and enforcement confusion. Sadly minus that, I commend Manatee County commissioners Servia, Whitmore and Bellamy and remind al Commissioners OUR LIVES ARE AT RISK. Also, their legacies are at risk, as is our county’s image as a safe and secure place for living and vacationing.

Please, please pass the mask mandate! Every possible step to stop COVID spread and save lives must be taken.

Millie Carroll

Bradenton

This story was originally published June 29, 2020 at 10:05 AM.