Ron DeSantis in Rush Limbaugh: the governor will order flags to be raised at half-mast to honor the controversial radio host

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

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

The measure does not seem to fit the state flag protocol, which provides for flags to be flown at half-mast “in the event of the death of a current or former Florida government official or the death of a member of the Armed Forces from Florida who dies while on active duty. “

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

Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Florida) called the governor’s decision “a shame for Florida”.

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

Florida Senate Democratic leader Gary Farmer issued a statement on Friday calling the DeSantis flag order “a party political tool to salute a man who has served no other interest than his own and has done his best.” to deeply divide a country along political lines of failure.

“I condemn the governor’s decision in no uncertain terms. Any move to lower our flag in deference to a man who helped to spur hatred and ignite prejudices against marginalized groups, people of color, women and anyone who didn’t look like him. or think that he is wrong and should be terminated, “said Farmer.

Announcement made at almost no mask event

DeSantis’ announcement of the Limbaugh tribute was not the only reason his press conference was controversial.

Palm Beach County officials are now investigating the Hilton Palm Beach Airport Hotel after receiving reports that many of the more than 100 people who attended the indoor event were not wearing masks, said Palm Beach County Deputy Director of Public Affairs , John Jamason, to CNN in a statement.
A mask mandate aimed at slowing the spread of Covid-19 is in effect in the county until March 19. Facial coverings must be worn by anyone who obtains any goods or services, or visits or works at any company or establishment in the county.
Hotel that hosted an almost unmasked demonstration for the governor of Florida is under investigation

“We spoke with Hilton management and will follow up with them and the event organizers in accordance with our normal compliance procedures,” said Jamason.

A Hilton Palm Beach Airport spokesman said in an email to CNN that, in part, “We were told of a video that appears to show a group of people very close to each other and without masks. We are disappointed in their appearance. 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 enforcement team is investigating the incident and will determine whether the hotel faces fines or penalties, said Jamason.

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