HOLLYWOOD, FLA. (WSVN) - Protesters in South Florida came together to voice their opposition to Florida’s current stay-at-home orders brought on by COVID-19.
Holding up signs that read “End the shutdown” and “Facts over fears,” demonstrators met at various locations on Sunday to form caravans, including the parking lot of a shopping plaza in Hollywood.
“We need to reopen the state economically, and we also need to give access to beaches and to other open areas,” said protester Rachael Cohen, one of the caravan’s organizers, at the Hollywood location.
But the path to getting there is still unknown.
“Enough is enough, and work with us. That’s what we want,” said protester Valeria Bianco.
The caravans traveled through parts of South Florida with the goal of putting pressure on local and state officials to start lifting some restrictions.
Cohen said those who gathered extend across ideological and party lines.
“We are liberals, libertarians, Trump supporters and everything in between,” she said.
Organizer Yishai Cohen said that what unites them is a willingness to put a stop to the fear-mongering.
“We can try to be scientific about this. We can try to be aware of a lot of the parameters that are in play and make wise and smart decisions, not only be driven by fear,” he said.
Demonstrators said the economic impacts brought on by having many businesses remain closed could be devastating for the country.
“We just want to be clear that any job that puts food on the table for a Florida family is an essential job,” said Rachael Cohen.
Sunday’s caravans mirror several other demonstrations that took place across the country. In several states, protesters put forth a similar message of ending the economic shutdown.
“I’m sitting here without a paycheck with no definitive answer of when I will be returning to work, and I don’t think that’s right,” said one protester.
Governors from each state essentially decide how to reopen.
On Friday, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said he’s working with South Florida’s mayors to decide the best course of action for each region.
“I’m going to work with them to figure out what makes the most sense, in terms of this next phase,” he said.
Many local mayors are already looking into the possibility of reopening some businesses and public spaces, but they’re trying to determine how to do it safely, so they’re relying on input from health professionals.
In Duval County, beaches reopened over the weekend, with many people ignoring social distancing guidelines.
But in Miami-Dade County, Mayor Carlos Gimenez tweeted, “Although we’re consulting with medical experts on the future opening of public spaces, there is currently no timeline for opening beaches.”
Anyone with questions and concerns about the coronavirus can call the Florida Department of Health’s 24-hour hotline at 1-866-779-6121.
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