Spring breakers...Florida beaches

[HeatherC]

What is wrong with Florida? Seriously. The pictures of Spring breakers partying on the beaches while people are dying, losing jobs, schools and day care centers closed, etc.. this is flat out wrong and people need to speak up.

And the worst part is that they then all get on flights and fly all over the country endangering even more people.

 

[morgan98]

What is wrong with Florida? Seriously. The pictures of Spring breakers partying on the beaches while people are dying, losing jobs, schools and day care centers closed, etc.. this is flat out wrong and people need to speak up.

And the worst part is that they then all get on flights and fly all over the country endangering even more people.

Exactly - other people are supposed to stay at home, social distancing and isolating while other are carrying on like that.

So we can't go to work, but others can vacation in close quarters? Which is it? This is why people are going to lose their mind.

 

[momto2girls]

I agree. I am livid about it. And I really don't understand why Florida's governor is not shutting it down. Other state governors have been very proactive about shutting down large crowds. I hope all of the Florida voters are taking note of this. I fear for Florida's significant elderly population. And I am not looking forward to all of these idiot spring breakers coming home to my state.

 

[thanxfornoticin]

I'm afraid part of it is denial (stupidity?), and another part of it is many of these folks are what have become known as the 'low risk' groups. So far, it hasn't been as bad for the 20-somethings and 30-somethings. No consequences for them. The fear I have is that these young adults are hanging out with each other, and a percentage of them have the virus and might be sharing it, but show no signs of being sick - and then eventually pass it on to a high-risk person.

I was thinking about the story today where 4 of the Brooklyn Nets NBA players tested positive for COVID-19. That's a group of elite athletes in the 20s or early 30s - and 3 of the 4 aren't even showing signs of being sick. How many others are walking around without showing signs and feeling like everything is normal - and then flying or partying or going to work.....? And passing it along? I guess we won't know until everyone can be tested.

 

[RamblingMad]

I'm afraid part of it is denial (stupidity?), and another part of it is many of these folks are what have become known as the 'low risk' groups. So far, it hasn't been as bad for the 20-somethings and 30-somethings. No consequences for them. The fear I have is that these young adults are hanging out with each other, and a percentage of them have the virus and might be sharing it, but show no signs of being sick - and then eventually pass it on to a high-risk person.

I was thinking about the story today where 4 of the Brooklyn Nets NBA players tested positive for COVID-19. That's a group of elite athletes in the 20s or early 30s - and 3 of the 4 aren't even showing signs of being sick. How many others are walking around without showing signs and feeling like everything is normal - and then flying or partying or going to work.....? And passing it along? I guess we won't know until everyone can be tested.

But this story is changing. It’s impacting the younger population in Italy far worse than in Asia.

 

[thanxfornoticin]

Are the 2 major casinos (both located in high-retiree, older areas of Florida) still open, too? Talk about having your head in the sand - those places bring in the elderly crowds in very close proximity - sharing slot machines and tables and chairs. How can they remain open?

 

[thanxfornoticin]

But this story is changing. It’s impacting the younger population in Italy far worse than in Asia.

Agreed - but I get the sense that message isn't registering with them here yet. It's an 'old persons' problem to many.

 

[fly girl]

WHAT THE FLORIDA!!!

I just got off with my dearest friend who lives in Florida and she is at a beach!! I couldn't believe it. Granted, it is a private beach, but there were other families around. She said they were far away, but I could hear a child that wasn't hers. Not happy.
Then told me the restaurants were still open just seating far apart. STUNNED! STUNNED!! Told her to get her *** home.

Is it because their governor is acting lackadaisical that they don't see it as a big deal? I don't get it.

My airline friends have mentioned our busiest airport in the nation, ATL, is barren and empty. But not Orlando!!! Granted, people need to get back from WDW and Universal closing, but it still shouldn't be that busy days later. Speechless.

 

[Kitty 34]

What is wrong with Florida? Seriously. The pictures of Spring breakers partying on the beaches while people are dying, losing jobs, schools and day care centers closed, etc.. this is flat out wrong and people need to speak up.

And the worst part is that they then all get on flights and fly all over the country endangering even more people.

I agree and they are all coming home to us!!!!

 

[HeatherC]

OP here. My mil is in Delray Beach. She is 80 years old and still going to shows at her local clubhouse and up until two days ago, restaurants with all her friends.

 

[LSUmiss]

I agree. I am livid about it. And I really don't understand why Florida's governor is not shutting it down. Other state governors have been very proactive about shutting down large crowds. I hope all of the Florida voters are taking note of this. I fear for Florida's significant elderly population. And I am not looking forward to all of these idiot spring breakers coming home to my state.

I agree. There were crowds gathered on Bourbon St over the weekend & by Monday the governor had shut the whole state down.

 

[fly girl]

 

[Kennywood]

I have to wonder if a big reason for the governor not acting is.....surprise, surprise.....money.

Florida has no state income tax and depends heavily on tourism dollars. One of Florida's biggest...if not THE biggest...is Disney World. As we know, Disney World is closed, so that means no tourism dollars.

Those on Spring Break spend money at hotels, restaurants, bars, etc. This might be one, last financial push before shutting down everything. But it will most likely be too little, too late.

 

[HeatherC]

I just sent them a scathing email. Everyone should do the same and blast this all over Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

 

[Kennywood]

Dear Florida Governor,

 

[MamaLema]

I’m upset about it too
Hong Kong has said they are giving anyone arriving at the airport and electronic bracelet so if you go out in public they will know you are not self isolating.

 

[Farro]

They shouldnt be allowed to go home. As soon as they land they should be in forced quarantine somewhere.

 

[Cannot_Wait_4Disney]

Are the 2 major casinos (both located in high-retiree, older areas of Florida) still open, too? Talk about having your head in the sand - those places bring in the elderly crowds in very close proximity - sharing slot machines and tables and chairs. How can they remain open?

And if they are like most casinos, many are smoking like chimneys too.... Not good for the lungs.

 

[spiders]

You know why places are open? Because they have bills and they realize that it’s going to be really, really rough.

By the end of the year, we will have record unemployment, people who can’t pay their heat, definitely can’t afford Christmas gifts, can’t afford to travel, 401k’s gone, working extra years (some until the day they die)...but hey, this is what some of you wanted.

What we are doing now will directly or indirectly hurt every person on Earth. We’ve definitely made the virus jealous because the damage we’ve done to ourselves is no match.

 

[fla4fun]

To be honest, there isn’t enough law enforcement to uphold a beach closure. Yes, all the hotels and other businesses could be closed, and that would reduce the number of people on the beach. But unless there is a law enforcement officer standing there refusing people entry, some stubborn tourists are going to go. I figured this would happen when I read on the threads about Disney closing that a lot of the displaced Disney guests were planning to go to the beach instead. Just go home people! Please!