Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) faces what could be a strong Democratic challenge in the upcoming midterm election as both Florida Rep. Charlie Crist (D) and Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried (D) have announced their intentions to seek the gubernatorial position. While they have both vehemently opposed the DeSantis administration, DeSantis has also been highly critical of the two of them both. The Governor has also criticized the CDC, and in recent comments, he is blaming the CDC for stalling the cruise industry. Amidst the criticism, former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi (R) has praised DeSantis for his work as Governor, applauding the vaccination efforts while affirming that "we are open for business" in the Sunshine State.
In a recent appearance on “Fox and Friends,” the former Attorney General was asked about a law that would impose a $5,000 fine if cruise lines ask for proof of vaccination.
“Florida is wide open. We are open for business. You wouldn’t even know COVID had happened here,” Bondi expressed. She also added that “the majority of our state… are being vaccinated.”
She further expressed that whether or not someone wants to disclose if they’re vaccinated is a matter of “privacy.”
On Friday, Governor DeSantis stood firm in his belief that the Sunshine State will “enforce Florida law,” adding that “we have laws that protect the people and the privacy of our citizens, and we are going to enforce it.”
He then launched more criticism at the CDC, sharing that “what the CDC has done by closing the cruise industry for over a year, 15 months almost, 14 months, they do not have the authority to do it.”
Bondi noted that she was happy with Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody (R) filing suit against the CDC. She fully supports the move by Moody and DeSantis while estimating that “we’re hoping for a good resolution” as the process is currently in mediation.
