Ron DeSantis on Rush Limbaugh: Governor will order flags flown with half staff to honor controversial radio host

by

“As soon as the date of Rush’s funeral is announced, we are going to lower the flags to half staff,” said Governor Ron DeSantis at a news conference in West Palm Beach on Friday.

The governor said the honor is “what we do when there are things of this magnitude.”

The move does not appear to be in line with state flag protocol, which requires flags to be flown at half-staff “ in the event of the death of a current or former Florida State Government official or the death of a member of the Armed Forces. Florida who dies while on active duty. “

DeSantis said Limbaugh, a Palm Beach resident who died Wednesday at the age of 70, “was an absolute legend, he was a friend of mine and just a wonderful person.”

Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Florida) called the governor’s decision “an embarrassment to Florida.”

“Rush Limbaugh used his platform to spread racism, xenophobia and homophobia across the country,” she said in a tweet. “His constant hateful rhetoric caused untold damage to our political landscape.”

Florida Senate Democratic Leader Gary Farmer released a statement on Friday calling DeSantis’ flag order “a partisan political instrument to greet a man who served no interests other than his own and did his best to create a Dividing land deeply along political fault lines.

“I condemn the Governor’s decision in no uncertain terms. Any attempt to lower our flag in deference to a man who helped dispel hatred and fueled prejudice against marginalized groups, people of color, women and anyone else who didn’t look like him or her. think he’s wrong, and should be withdrawn, “said Farmer.

Announcement made during a maskless event

DeSantis’ announcement about honoring Limbaugh wasn’t the only reason his press conference sparked controversy.

Palm Beach County officials are now investigating the Hilton Palm Beach Airport Hotel after receiving reports that many of the more than 100 people attending the indoor event were not wearing masks, John Jamason, Palm Beach County deputy director of Public Affairs, said in a statement to CNN. .
A mask mandate aimed at slowing the spread of Covid-19 is in effect in the province until March 19. Face coverings should be worn by anyone purchasing goods or services, or otherwise visiting or working in any business or facility in the province.
Hotel that hosted a largely maskless meeting for the Florida governor is currently under investigation

“We have spoken with Hilton management and will contact them and event organizers in accordance with our normal compliance procedures,” said Jamason.

A spokesperson for Hilton Palm Beach Airport said in an email to CNN, “We have been made aware of video that appears to show a group of individuals who are close to each other and not wearing masks. We are disappointed with this. their clear non-compliance with our mask regulations which are prominently displayed throughout the hotel. In the future, we will continue to do our best to monitor and enforce these guidelines as long as they remain in effect. “

The Palm Beach Code Enforcement and Compliance Team is investigating the incident and will determine whether the hotel will face fines or penalties, Jamason said.

Source