Subject:
Title
THIS ITEM HAS BEEN PULLED FROM THE AGENDA AND WILL NOT BE HEARD
Ordinance relating to indoor public safety requirements, mandating that individuals wear a face covering in public indoor places.
label
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Consider the approval of a proposed ordinance repealing Pinellas County’s indoor public safety requirements, mandating that individuals wear a face covering in public indoor places ordinance.
Body
Strategic Plan:
N/A
Summary:
Summary
Recent County, state and federal vaccination efforts have resulted in a dramatic rise in the number of partially and fully vaccinated persons in Pinellas County. Enforcement of local government mask mandates within Florida has become difficult. Accordingly, it is recommended that the Board consider repealing the current ordinance.
Body
Background Information:
The matter enacting the emergency face coverings ordinance was brought before the Board on June 23, 2020. Recent County, state and federal vaccination efforts have resulted in a substantial rise in the number of partially and fully vaccinated persons in Pinellas County. With the actions and orders of Governor DeSantis suspending the collection of fines on individuals and remitting all other fines for mandated mask violations through March 10, 2021, mandating face coverings is considerably less effective, and it is recommended that the Board consider repealing the emergency face covering ordinance. The need to continue to protect public health is still ongoing, and all individuals are strongly encouraged to continue following the Center for Disease Control & Prevention’s (CDC) recommended guidelines, which continue to focus on hand washing, social distancing and wearing masks when around others outside of your household. Private individuals, businesses and government entities may continue to take any legally appropriate steps to protect themselves, their businesses, their customers, or persons entering their establishments without the County mandatory indoor public place face covering ordinance requirement. Any further regulatory requirements necessitated by the ongoing public health issues may be implemented by the County Administrator by executive order.
As drafted the proposed repeal becomes effective immediately upon filing with the State.
Fiscal Impact:
N/A
Staff Member Responsible:
Jewel White, County Attorney
Donald S. Crowell, Chief Assistant County Attorney
Partners:
N/A
Attachments:
Proposed ordinance.
Public hearing notice.