Community Corner
Florida Lawyer Will Walk Beach In Grim Reaper Attire: Coronavirus
A Florida lawyer says he will dress as a Grim Reaper on the beaches to send a message that things are opening too soon.
FLORIDA — A lawyer who wants Florida beaches to remain closed during the coronavirus pandemic says he has a tactic to spread his message. He shared on social media that on May 1 he will walk around beaches and other places reopening while wearing a Grim Reaper costume.
“Many of you have asked if I am willing to travel around Florida wearing Grim Reaper attire to the beaches and other areas of the state opening up prematurely,” he wrote in a tweet. “The answer is absolutely yes. Beginning May 1 we will hit the road here in state. Please retweet and spread the word.”
Daniel Uhlfelder, a Santa Rosa Beach-based lawyer, told NBC News that he “felt like something needed to be done.” According to him the beaches are opening “prematurely.”
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"Wearing a Grim Reaper costume seems like a good way to send a signal that this is too fast and that we need to think seriously before we take that step,” Uhlfelder said.
He’s gained national attention with his advocacy against privatizing Florida beaches.
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Last month, he sued Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, seeking an injunction for a statewide closure of beaches and urging him to issue a stay-at-home order, reports NBCNews. DeSantis, mandated a 30-day stay-at-home order earlier this month.
Some jurisdictions have opened beaches again, including the Jacksonville area last week, and Sarasota County beaches will reopen on April 27, USA Today reports.
These beaches are among those currently closed, the newspaper said:
- Broward County
- Hillsborough County
- Manatee County, but commissioners may discuss it Tuesday, April 28.
- Miami-Dade County
- Palm Beach County
- Pasco County
- Pinellas County
"I'm just trying to take all the steps to ensure our safety and trying to get creative about it," Uhlfelder said. "I've sued the governor. We're in court with him. It looks like they're rushing to do this, and it's just too soon."
Last month, he visited different state beaches in a paintball costume to urge people to practice social distancing.
Many of you have asked if I am willing to travel around Florida wearing Grim Reaper attire to the beaches and other areas of the state opening up prematurely. The answer is absolutely yes. Beginning May 1 we will hit the road here in state. Please retweet and spread the word. pic.twitter.com/UO7QKg161n
— Daniel Uhlfelder (@DWUhlfelderLaw) April 22, 2020
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