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The first offense will be a warning.
The Osceola County Commission passed a mandate on Monday that could fine residents up to $50 if they refuse to wear face coverings.
Committing a first offense will draw a warning from law enforcement. A second and third offense will cost violators $25. A fourth offense will increase to $50.
Osceola County does have an emergency ordinance mandating the public wear face coverings out in public. There had been fines and even the possibility of arrests in place, but the county had backed off of those measures.
But County Chairwoman Viviana Janer said reinstating the fines was a necessary health code.
“I have heard time and time again people are not complying. I’ve seen it myself. Our (COVID-19) numbers are skyrocketing,” she said. “We have a right and a duty to do everything we can to protect our constituency.”
Under the new mandate, there was no mention of arrests occurring for noncompliance.
Commissioner Fred Hawkins Jr. said he would not support the mandate.
“I do not thinks we as a government should force people to wear a mask,” he said.
Hawkins added that the disclaimer on the box when you buy a mask states that it will not prevent you from getting the virus.
In addition, the mandate would cause a division between residents who are and who are not wearing facemasks.
“We’re going to have our law enforcement responding to arguments in parking lots, in stores, in restaurants and that’s something our law enforcement should not be forced to do,” Hawkins said.
The vote to approve the mandate was a 4-1 vote with Hawkins opposing.
“This seems to have become a touchy subject in our society today, but I think it’s in the best health and well being of our community,” said Commissioner Brandon Arrington.
