Charlie Crist thanks DeSantis for extending evictions moratorium, but...

With Governor DeSantis’ announcement that he would be extending the moratorium on evictions and foreclosures, both Republicans and Democrats praised the decision as a step forward to help Floridians transition back into an effective and productive life as Florida’s economy opens up once again. One of those lawmakers that praised the decision is Florida rep. Charlie Crist (D), who took to Twitter to voice his support on the moratorium extension.

On Twitter, Rep. Crist called the extension “a necessary measure until all Floridians unemployed from #COVID19 are receiving the benefits guaranteed to them by CARES Act.”

However, the praise did not last long as the Florida lawmaker criticized the Florida Governor because Floridians are still facing issues receiving their unemployment benefits. On Twitter, the lawmaker shared several stories of Floridians who are undergoing financial duress because they have not received the benefits offered to them by the CARES Act.

In a series of tweets, the former Florida Governor shared anecdotes and pictures of Floridians, providing a glimpse into the struggles that some Floridians are still trying to overcome.

In one case, Crist shared that “Sheldon is a construction worker in St. Pete,” expressing that “his landlord threatened to ignore moratorium on evictions & he has been forced to work through the pandemic.” In turn, “with less work as a result of #COVID19, he’s has [sic] to spend every dime he makes just to cover rent.”

In another case, Crist detailed that “Jennifer of St. Pete hasn’t received unemployment benefits since she lost her job during #COVID19 and is now three months behind on rent,” noting that “she’s worried if she doesn’t receive benefits soon she’ll lose her home.”

In February, the unemployment rate in the sunshine state went from 2.8% to 12.9% in April because of the COVID-19 pandemic.