Will Manatee County Enforce Stricter Stay at Home Orders?

Tampa Bay, Fl
Opinion by: E. Eugene Webb PhD
Author:  In Search of Robin  So You Want to Blog.

Will Manatee County Enforce Stricter Stay at Home Orders?

Manatee county has an estimated population of about 385,000 with a growth rate of 2.68%, and these numbers will certainly grow significantly when new Census is complete.

The Manatee County Commission, County Administrator and the Manatee County Sheriff have been reluctant to move to stricter stay at home requirements to help limit the spread of the Corona-19 virus.

There seems to be a failure to recognize that as the county has changed the population demographics tend toward those who are most at risk.

With the State now issuing a statewide stay at home order, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis issues statewide stay-at-home order, it would seem reasonable for Manatee County to put in place some stricter guidelines.

Manatee County Commissioners and County leadership seem to be more concerned about taking responsibility for shutting down local business and the ensuing blow back, than they are about the spread of the virus.

The County Commission has been reluctant to take a stand, instead waiting for the state to take the lead. This timid approach is in stark contrast to Pinellas and Hillsborough Counties, where the effort has been to get out in front rather than play catch-up.

Some strong and decisive leadership from the County Commission and the County Administrator, would make all of us feel a little more reassured and give the Manatee County Sheriff and local police departments an indication they will be supported should enforcement be necessary.

Here is a link to the Manatee County CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) INFORMATION page.

For now, the political leadership and the governmental management leadership in Manatee County are waiting for others to step out and make their decisions for them. Governor DeSantis has now set the direction; it is time for Manatee County Officials, booth elected and appointed to step up and lead their County.

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