Florida is Now the World’s Epicenter for Covid 19-Did Governor DeSantis Open Up Too Early?

OPINION

Dear Friends,

I awoke this morning to the distressing news that yesterday we had 10,000 new cases of Coronavirus in Florida in one day. Folks I live in Palm Beach, it is a beautiful paradise, and people are terrified. I rode my bike along the inner-coastal at 7 a.m. this morning, cruising by majestic Palm trees and gorgeous, colorful gardens.

Every so often I would pass a walker, jogger, or another biker — all masked — and as we met up, they would turn their heads, but not before I could see the fear in their eyes. Everybody is wondering, “Could she have it, could he?” The virus is everywhere here, and finally this time people are beginning to take it seriously. This old warrior is diabetic and that combined with 3 months of isolation, listening and watching our country turn into anarchy, has frankly got me on edge. We are all in the same boat, however, this pandemic is terribly disconcerting and I don’t want it!

Interestingly, a month ago, Florida was the pristine state. The virus was under control, and all the indicators were it would be safe to reopen the closed economy, including bars, restaurants, beaches, gyms, and so on. This was allowed under the condition that people would engage in social distancing and wear masks.

Unfortunately, many people took the reopening by Florida’s positive Governor to mean, “Let the party begin!” The virus was still lurking, as the bars opened in full swing. Absolutely no social distancing — NONE! The beaches looked like anthills with folks snugged together. The virus spread like wildfire! The protests we had in south Florida did not help either.

As far as I am concerned, Governor DeSantis did the right thing in opening the state. The people did the wrong thing in not following the rules. We cannot stay isolated. Our businesses must be open. Until there is a vaccine, business and the pandemic must coexist. Poverty will kill us faster than the virus. Therefore with some minor, logical regulations, DeSantis is determined to keep it all going. Additionally, Florida schools will be opening in the fall. Right now, the bars are again closed and there is no indoor dining. Masks are now mandatory in public!

Folks here is the bottom line, we have got to open our businesses and we have to send our children back to school. At the same time, we have to avoid close contact and wear masks. Washing hands, vitamins, zinc, constant vigilance are all extremely important. Guys like me with diabetes, have to be extra careful.

Please stay safe, I pray for better days. God bless America!

Respectfully yours,

JUDSON Bennett-Coastal Network

About Judson Bennett

Captain A. Judson Bennett was a life- long resident of Lewes, DE. He served the maritime industry for 33 years, primarily as a Delaware River Pilot, guiding large ships to the Port of Philadelphia. Captain Bennett has been an active and consistent entrepreneur over the years.

He was elected as a Lewes City Councilman for 6 years. Afterwards he ran for the Sussex County Council as a Republican, and with 20 thousand people voting, lost Delaware’s closest election by 3 votes to an 8 year incumbent. Abandoning his personal political ambitions, he became the Republican District leader, advocating conservative values. Captain Bennett became a lobbyist in the state legislature advocating among many ideas, financial literacy concepts in education. He managed several political campaigns, including one for Governor of Delaware and one for the US Senate against VP Joe Biden. He is now the owner, operator, and writer for the Coastal Network which communicates regularly with over 6000 people throughout the State of Delaware.

Captain Bennett is a graduate of St. Andrew’s School in Middletown, DE (where the movie “The Dead Poet’s Society was filmed) and also graduated “Magna Cum Laude” from the University of Delaware with a BA in Criminal Justice and an MA in Liberal Studies.

He is now a Widower, living in West Palm Beach, Florida. Captain Bennett has one son, three grandchildren, and one great grand-daughter, all who live in Richmond, Virginia.