How are golf courses ‘essential’ during COVID-19 pandemic? | Letter to the editor

I read the article in the April 9 Sports section regarding “Golf Courses essential under DeSantis order.”

How is that possible? I am very alarmed that a golf course would be regarded as essential. This flies in the face of the mandate of being safer at home. Everyone knows players will stray closer than six feet, share beers from coolers, catch up with each other discussing how lucky they are that golfing is considered essential.

So, this now begs the question, are beaches essential if bathers sit six feet apart? Are parks essential if visitors remain six feet apart? Are hair salons essential if chairs are six feet apart?

Setting examples is key in this crisis. I’ve been doing my part. Shouldn’t everyone be doing their parts? This ruling gives a pass to other activities if you think about it.

Based on the slow reaction from the governor’s office to mandate a stay-at-home policy, it sure appears that he reacts on the skirt of President Donald Trump. Trump must be chomping at the bit to come to his Florida home and play golf. If he left the White House, then he’s sending a signal that we should all be allowed to stray out of our homes.

Lastly, the state of Florida and the governor’s office got a black eye over examples such as Clearwater becoming a national news item to name others. It’s embarrassing. Gov. Ron DeSantis should not give in to Trump. He should follow the oath that he took to lead and govern the people of the entire state, no matter what party constituents are from.

Karen Pettinelli

Bradenton