Sheriff Rick Staly is urging Palm Coast and Flagler County residents to comply with new, mandatory stay-at-home orders starting Friday, saying communities will not arrest their way out of the coronavirus. But shifting to meet what he expects to be a considerable new challenge as recommendations turn to strict orders, he said he was ready to kick in enforcement measures, including notices to appear or even arrests.
“I would rather have these individuals self-comply. We don’t need to turn a health crisis into a criminal offense,” Staly said in an interview this afternoon. “This truly is a war. The difference is, the enemy is invisible and silent, but everyone in America, not just in our community, is a foot soldier in that war. A good soldier follows the order, whether you agree with them or not. You follow the orders. And that’s what I think we need to have happen here and in America. I think for the most part people are complying.”
Gov. Ron DeSantis this afternoon issued an executive order requiring all Floridians to shelter at home except for essential services. Hours later, Palm Coast issued an order echoing the state version, with a list of businesses and services that may keep functioning, and a list of permissible activities for residents. The orders together reflect nothing short of generalized quarantine orders rarely seen in history except at times of widespread scourges such as London’s plague outbreak in 1665, which killed 100,000 people. The majority of Americans are now under mandatory stay-at-home orders. Florida’s will last at least until May 1.
The list of permissible activities and business and services remains so lengthy, however, as to seem as if it covers most existing businesses. It includes all grocery stores and all food-production operations, restaurants (for delivery only), banks, hardware stores, laundromats, taxis, health care facilities including all elderly care facilities, home health care operations, law offices, landscape and pool care services, child care facilities, news media operations, all government operations, energy companies and gas stations, all construction sites, architectural offices, all factories and warehouses, waste management services, even marinas. Hotels may continue to operate but must limit their guests only to certain professions, including first responders, health care workers, government and military personnel, and many others. (See a more complete list of exemptions in the Palm Coast order at the foot of the article.)
But hunting for exemptions is the wrong way to see the order, says Jonathan Lord, Flagler County’s emergency management chief. “I think people shouldn’t be finding ways to exempt themselves, they should be finding ways to protect themselves and their neighbor,” Lord said. “The whole country can’t shut down, that’s why there’s that federal list of essential services.”
Lord anticipated the emergency weeks ago, predicting it in a presentation to the County Commission, and has been speaking of the need for a broader, uniform stay-at-home order since last week. “The order really is more about making people realize the seriousness of this statewide,” Lord said. “I am very glad the state has done this. I think it makes the most sense for Floridians as well as Flagler county residents. It should impress upon all of our residents and our visitors that every single one of us can make a difference and should stay home,” Lord said.
Lord, Staly and others have been in discussions about the reach of the state order and enforcement responsibilities, with agreement that education should take precedence over harsher measures, at least at first, with harsher measures applying to repeat offenders. But there is no lack of resolve regarding stricter enforcement, if it becomes necessary. “If people are putting others at risk then I’m very comfortable that law enforcement or our two municipal police departments are ready to do what they should do to stop people from putting others at risk.”
Palm Coast Mayor Milissa Holland used stern language in a statement appended to the city’s order mirroring the state’s. Palm Coast was among the first local governments to issue a stay-home order last week, though the order was voluntary. No longer. “This mandatory ‘Shelter in Place’ order is necessary for the protection of our community,” Holland said in a release. “I am making it crystal clear — stay home. COVID-19 affects every single demographic and age group. Every one of us is affected by this. For your family, friends, neighbors and entire community, be responsible and stay home. It is the only way to limit the spread of COVID-19.”
Residents and visitors, the city said, may still engage in outdoor activity and recreation in areas not otherwise closed to the public–the city closed all its parks and trails–provided that individuals conduct all such activities in compliance with all measures advised by the Centers for Disease Control and the Florida Department of Health, including but not limited to social distancing.
Law enforcement will be responsible not only to enforce stay-at-home orders, ensuring that businesses that shouldn’t be open remain closed and that people who are going out for non-essential purposes don’t do so. But he said the state health department will also be expecting that violators of quarantine orders, such as those from hot spots like Louisiana and the New York region, and those who are being monitored by the department of health, also face consequences should they not respect the orders. That means an individual who’s tested positive for Covid-19 and who violates the quarantine order could potentially face arrest, creating a dilemma for the sheriff by knowingly potentially exposing deputies and others to the virus.
“I don’t want to knowingly put someone in jail that could be a positive for Covid-19, that’s not a good thing to do.”
Close to 200 people are under monitoring by the Flagler Health Department, and 20 Flagler County residents, have tested positive for the virus, and are under quarantine orders at home. Two were hospitalized. One died this afternoon at Halifax hospital in Daytona Beach.
While Staly and his counsel were still pouring over the pages of state orders and exceptions to the order Wednesday afternoon, he said he was prepared–but not eager–to put up a tent on jail grounds to house individuals arrested for violating quarantine or stay-at-home orders, thus keeping them separate from the general jail population. The agency acquired the military surplus tent and air conditioning for it a year ago. Another option, which Staly says he would prefer, would be to lock ankle monitors on violators. That would give the agency the ability to monitor them in real time, and know immediately if and where they are violating the order. The monitors are typically locked on the ankles of domestic violence offenders. They cost $150 a month, a charge normally paid for by the offender.
“I don’t want the taxpayers to have to pay that just because these people are being idiots in a health care emergency and they won’t cooperate,” Staly said.
The sheriff is expecting orders from the Department of Health and from the circuit’s chief judge sometime in the next few days clarifying from the judiciary’s perspective how and where individuals facing arrest must be held–or not held–though an earlier order by Chief Judge Raul Zambrano made clear that such things as adjudicating quarantine violations are very much among the ongoing “mission critical” duties of the local judiciary. That order outlined vast powers in that regard, all the way down to forcible testing.
Staly said the agency has been getting tips from residents and businesses about alleged violators. He expects that to continue, the difference being that now deputies must enforce orders that were previously more lenient.
But he expects more clarity in the days ahead. “All of that is still being worked out. We do not have an order yet from DOH or the chief judge,” he said.
Lord said he’ll be hoping for uniform standards across the state “because it’s not fair for a resident or a visitor driving down the road to have a different standard apply.” Local law enforcement, however, has generally been in sync with such standards, with the Bunnell and Flagler Beach police chiefs working off of the same approaches as Staly’s and the three agencies operating more as adjuncts of each other than as competing jurisdictions.
Lord says curfews, which might be seen as the next step and have been imposed in certain communities elsewhere in the country, would not be necessary in “sleepy” Flagler, where traffic falls considerably at night anyway. “I don’t know that there is a value to that and I wouldn’t want to impose stricter rules on people for the sake of doing it,” Lord said. But if the sheriff had a concern, Lord said, then the community might collectively do it. But it would have to be tied to a defined outcome, not an imagined problem, Lord said.
Today’s previous update is here.
Sheriff’s Staly’s April 1 Update:
Palm Coast’s Emergency Stay-Home Order:
Click to access COVID‐19-Emergency-Proclamation-5-Local-Emergency-Shelter-in-Place-Measures-2.pdf
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WhackAMole says
I think it would take up less space if you just say what is not open. Does not matter really. Once people go to church for Palm Sunday and Easter it will spread throughout like the plague so…and yes, for some reason religious services are considered essential.
tulip says
I agree with that statement about stating where you can’t go, As far as churches go, why can’t they set up a stream service and then people could get it via the internet. From what I understand the catholic church in Flagler Beach does that and their parishioners can watch it in the safety of their home, and that is a good thing.
Ld says
So if city can deliver TP to a household perhaps it could deliver meals for school age children’s by setting a box outside the door. There are 6 children in my sons home and he works at hospital and can’t go to mobile sites where there is close contact. Kids are in all levels of school. No person to person contact would have to occur.
Jimbo99 says
Nothing changes for me, this new directive is what I’ve been doing from the start. I can count my outs & abouts to the grocery store & gas station. Food goes bad, also runs out, need gasoline to get there. So every few days that’s my routine of a square peg in a square hole lifestyle in quarantine, nothing nefarious going on here.
snapperhead says
Why all the fuss? Some of the arm chair “experts” that have posted here said this is no different than the regular flu or deaths from car crashes.
Michael J Winans says
Will you quit posting that crap about the flu. The flu kills .01% and Covid -19 kills 10 times greater or 1%. That means Covid-19 is killing people at a rate that is 10 times greater than the flu and the death rate is becoming exponential because there is little testing for this virus and NO VACCINE. Coronavirus is in fact much deadlier and more contagious than the flu. The reason the flu is killing less people is one specific reason is we are getting smarter by getting a vaccination. There is no such option here and until we take this seriously as we watch our friends and neighbors and politicians become sick and die. We must also be aware that this is not going to be business as usual in a few weeks. This is a virus that like all viruses, it will and has mutated to make the “second round” to infect the general population of not only the United States but the world, and as a result we are going to see an even higher death rate. Please people, be smart, and follow the CDC guidelines,
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is working to help keep you and your community safe from the
threat of novel, or a new strain of coronavirus. Take the following everyday steps to help avoid the spread of all respiratory viruses:
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, throw the tissue away, and then wash your hands.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects or surfaces such as remote controls and doorknobs.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home if you are sick. Call your doctor if you develop fever, cough, or difficulty breathing.
snapperhead says
I know that Einstein. I posted what you did weeks ago. I was referring to the posters who, a few weeks ago, were saying Covid 19 will be no worse that the regular flu or deaths from car crashes. They’re looking pretty stupid now.
Laura says
I’m an elderly Flagler County resident that has been in San Diego since early March. Stay-at-home orders have been in place in San Diego since March 19. One important available service that has been allowed is “take out.” Well before the official executive order took effect, numerous restaurants closed but continue to provide take out and delivery. I don’t see take out as an option in the FL Governor’s order. As this is an important option for seniors and delivery is not readily available in Flagler, I hope this is not another misstep by FL’s leadership. For comparison, the following is an FAQ from CA’s Executive Order:
What can I do? What’s open?
Essential services will remain open, such as:
Gas stations
Pharmacies
Food: Grocery stores, farmers markets, food banks, convenience stores, take-out and delivery restaurants
Banks
Laundromats/laundry services
Essential state and local government functions will also remain open, including law enforcement and offices that provide government programs and services.
Nancy N. says
Take out from restaurants is allowed under the previous order that closed restaurant dining rooms. This new order from Gov. DeSantis specifically says the rules of that order continue to be in place, so take out continues to be allowed.
Bob Ziolkowski says
I may have missed something but how is this different than before? We can still go to the store, exercise, etc. and as long as we do it ourselves, or as a couple or immediate family. I am following the rules but I just don’t get it!
Hmmm says
Exactly what i said. Its word play to make people take it more seriously. Nothing has changed with this stay at home order. Same places are closed, same places are open, i can still go to the stores…even liqour store will be open!! Just a mind tactic.
feddy says
Agree, but now we are going to have another mass panic and everyone will be hoarding items.
Citizen says
The order is confusing… It says stay at home but lists every possible business as an exception? Do I go to work or not?
Gh321 says
Obviously no-one will be going to religious services. Stay at home means exactly that. STAY HOME protect our Nurses and Doctors.
Downeaster says
Why is that obvious? Common sense would say they are cancelled but the Governor has said that religious services are OK… So stay inside 6 days a week and then pack into a church on Sunday.. Floriduh at its finest.
Dennis says
Welcome to North Korea. I thought this was America? A part time mayor giving orders to 80000 people. It’s a joke
Brian Larson says
I have my girlfriend of 11 years I basically live there , my mail goes there , I spend most of my time there , we eat dinner every night and watch TV till like 1 am , I then return to my other house and sleep there and make sure everything is okay with my 82 yr old brother in law , I don`t go anywhere else but between the two houses by myself in my car ,I dont meet anyone or stop anywhere to either get infected or spread it , I kinda need to be at both places , if I choose to stay at one which would be my girlfriends , then there is no one to look in on elderly my brother in law , I`m basically obeying the law, I just have two homes, is that going to be a problem ?
ML says
You can still travel to & from to take care of your elderly family member. That is considered essential in the new rules. I also take care of my 81 yo mom so i am in the same boat as you & was happy to read we can continue to do so. I’m certain your brother in law is grateful for you! And your gf :) Stay well!
Uncommon Virtues says
“(3) Personal Support Activities: Residents and visitors may travel to and from their
homes to care for or support a friend, family member, or pet in another household”
Palm Coaster 3 says
Brian,
You didn’t mention whether you, or your girlfriend, leave the house to go to work or any other reason
If so, that could very well endanger your brother-in-law
Otherwise…
That is not a problem whatsoever.
What you are doing is indeed honorable.
Wear rubber/vinyl gloves when leaving your car and entering any establishment.
Travel with a spray bottle of diluted bleach & water and a dampened rag with such and wipe down everything that gets touched by anyone but you.
Gas pumps, ATMs, shopping cart handles, whatever
With that same same solution, wipe down everything you touch in your brother-in-laws’ home just before leaving.
(Door handles, refrigerator & freezer handles, faucets, light switches, phone, tv remotes….everything)
Tell your brother-in-law not to congregate with others for the time being, not to worry about the mail
(Maybe even have the mail held at the Post Office for the time being)
If he must communicate, from a distance only
People will understand his fear
*****But it’s him who has to believe the danger*****
Precautions like this will help get him to his 92nd birthday!
4-6 weeks ain’t that bad
Don says
Mine is the same situation. Two homes to get to every other day. Sorry if the city doesn’t like it, but I have to.
You start putting to many restriction on people ,your going get a revolution starting.
CAREFUL WHAT RULES YOU DEMAND……. THIS IS STILL AMERICA !!!!
Duh says
Why go to girlfriends??Its not essential,just stay and take care of brother in law
Brian Larson says
Because that is where I eat my meals where I keep my food , where my mail goes ,and where I spend most of my time. If forced to spend it anywhere it`d be at my girlfriends , I`m just trying to do the right thing I travel with masks and have hand sanitizer am very careful, nobody is going to work or around others.
Palm Coaster 3 says
Seriously Brian,
You do not have to go visit your brother-in-law EVERY DAY
Bring in food for a week
Explain the situation
Call 10X a day
Are you providing Medical Services?
If your brother-in-law needs daily medical attention,
explain to your girlfriend that your brother-in-law will be staying with you for the next few weeks
If she refuses, you need to make a serious decision in your life
Cindy Welch says
People who tested positive can be arrested? There are not enough tests available to know who’s positive.
Setting up a tent to house them?
No you should setting up tents for field hospitals like NY is. You just don’t get it folks. Your local and state governments have failed you.
Here Spot says
100% agree
tulip says
With barbershops and hair salons closed, pretty soon the men in particular are going to be walking around with “home done” haircuts, unless they have a friend who will come to their home.
Extremely concerned says
Are smoke shops that sell beer and wine essential?
Donna Heiss says
What a waste of time for the mayor to proclaim everything the governor already did. But hey, all they have is time.
Arrest people for leaving the house? That’s ridiculous. The sheriff’s dept. should be sheltering at home as well. Bring in the national guard, house them in empty hotels. This way the deputies don’t bring the virus home to their families and the national guard will be sequestered in their respective hotels thus also not infecting their families.
Just a thought
danm50 says
Government officials STOP trying to MANAGE people it won’t work. You have to LEAD people and for that we need LEADERS not WARDENS.
mechanic1 says
I feel this won’t change anything. We just need to continue & be careful. There will be many who won’t & that will be the risk. Even Palm Coast Data became a “essential employer”…really a call center? News from the grapevine is that 2 of their employees are in the hospital, possibly with the virus. If that’s true, they’ve put all their employees at risk. God help them
Flatsflyer says
Staley obiviously never was schooled in the UCoMJ. You are only required to follow legal orders, illegal orders should never be followed, especially during times of war and that is what the politicians are telling you we’re in. I’ll bet that 95% of the elected officals never wore a uniform? Appreciate what they are trying to do, I’m following all recommendation but please don’t piss on my leg and tell me it’s raining.
Woman Veteran says
Roger that!!! Trying to make rules and laws as they go.. That’s why Staly and the rest act the way they do. They think just because they were VOTED in for some BS they have all the power in the world. Not only can you and I tell a mile away him nor the others would even know how to blouse a pair of boots, they would NEVER be able to to function in an actual war environment.. typical type that would go to sick call right before shipping out to get a profile to make sure they stay state side. Would love to sit back and laugh my a** off watching him trying to figure out which side is up for the “oh so scary tent” 😱😱he’s raving about.. 😂🤣
But, most importantly, Thank you for your service.. stay safe and watch your six. 🇺🇸🇺🇸
defn jeare says
Is there a curfew in place where you can go out or no? Like say i wanted to have a bonfire at my barn with family friends is there a time in which we could do so
FlaglerLive says
There are no curfews in place. However, drought conditions being what they are, our fire departments would likely suggest you hold off on bonfires these days, even in the absence of a burn ban–which may be imposed sooner than normal, considering the state of things. If you live in Palm Coast, Fire Chief Jerry Forte reminds us that the city already has a “no open burning” ordinance in place, which prohibits bonfires. “Outdoor cooking fires are allowable provided they have a water source (garden hose) and a screen to cover the containment unit,” Forte says. And Jonathan Lord, Flagler’s emergency management chief, tells us this morning that “A Burn Ban is likely in the coming days, unless we get significant rainfall.”
defn says
ok thank you for clearing that up. Now could we still go to our barn if it’s like a 20-25 minute drive away from my house?
ML says
Dude, this is not the time for social gatherings. STAY HOME STAY SAFE!! When you leave your home, you put yourself & others & everyone you mix with at risk!! When you socialize in a group, you put yourself & others in jeopardy!! STAY HOME!!! Find a barn burn video on youtube or do a facetime call with your friends & talk great memories of a fire you had before. But Stay Home! Your fire desire is not essential! Don’t put your community, your family, friends, self or neighbors at risk. When in doubt, DON’T!
defn says
dude it’s literally 3 of us and it’s out in the middle of know where calm down.. i’m just asking if that’s acceptable
Educated says
Mandatory LOL
stay safe my friends
LIVE LIFE DON’T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF