VETERANS TO DESANTIS:
CLOSE THE BEACHES
Veterans note Florida’s population of senior citizen veterans; COVID-19 threat to members of the military
TALLAHASSE, FL — The largest progressive group of veterans in America, VoteVets, has sent a letter to Governor Ron DeSantis, today, urging him to officially close all beaches in the state. The letter was signed by VoteVets Chairman Jon Soltz, of Sarasota, along with over 460 Floridians, including over 150 Florida veterans.
Florida is home to around 800,000 senior citizen veterans, including tens of thousands of World War II veterans, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs.
“By not closing the beaches, you are directly contributing to the threat that the seniors of Florida are facing, including so many veterans,” the veterans write in their letter. The veterans also note that the more the virus spreads, the greater the odds that members of the military will be called upon to respond to it, putting them and their families in danger.
“Let us be clear: If you do not use your power to close all beaches in Florida, immediately, you will be guilty of malfeasance in office, by putting veterans, military, and all Floridians at a much greater risk of illness and death,” the veterans write.
The full letter to Governor DeSantis is below:
Governor Ron DeSantis
400 S. Monroe St.
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0001
Dear Governor,
As you are well aware, Florida has around 800,0000 veterans over the age of 65, much higher than the national average. This includes tens of thousands of World War II veterans – our greatest generation. These veterans are among the population most at risk from the continued spread of the COVID-19 virus.
As governor, you have the power to close the beaches of Florida, many of which are currently overrun with beachgoers who are not abiding by CDC guidelines to prevent the spread of the virus. By not closing the beaches, you are directly contributing to the threat that the seniors of Florida are facing, including so many veterans.
Additionally, by not doing all you can to stop the spread of this pandemic, you are increasing the danger that our military will be called on to combat, putting all of them, and their families, in danger of infection.
Let us be clear: If you do not use your power to close all beaches in Florida, immediately, you will be guilty of malfeasance in office, by putting veterans, military, and all Floridians at a much greater risk of illness and death.
We implore you to use your power. Close the beaches.
Sincerely,
Jon Soltz Iraq War Veteran
Chairman, VoteVets
Sarasota, FLco-signed by 466 Floridians, including 158 Florida veterans