In response to New York City mayor Eric Adams’ criticism of a new Florida law, Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday derided the entire state of New York for its policies concerning Covid-19.
But Adams had opened the door for criticism on Monday, when he launched a series of digital billboards in support of LGBTQ communities and pushed back on the so-called “Don’t Say Gay” bill in Florida that DeSantis signed last week.
Adams, a Democrat, invited Floridians to move to New York if they are in opposition to the recently signed legislation that critics say threatens LGBTQ people by prohibiting discussions on gender identity and sexual orientation in public school classrooms.
“This political showmanship of attempting to demonize a particular group or community is unacceptable and we are going to loudly show our support and say to those who are living in Florida, ‘listen, we want you here in New York,’ “ Adams said in a video Tuesday posted on Twitter.
But DeSantis, a Republican, defended Florida’s bill, originally called “Parental Rights in Education,” and criticized New York for making kids wear masks in classrooms as a safety measure to combat COVID-19. DeSantis made those remarks at two press conferences Tuesday, while announcing job growth grant funds in Hamilton and Jefferson counties in rural North Florida.
CBS News New York reported this week that “Mayor Eric Adams is postponing his plan to discontinue the mask mandate for students in preschool under the age of 5 for at least a week. For all other students, masks will remain optional.”
Meanwhile, DeSantis that “New York is doing billboards telling people, come, come to New York from Florida,” DeSantis said. “They are wasting taxpayer money on doing that.”
“I don’t know why they would do it. They are saying you can say whatever you want. But they are the ones that will force a mask on your face and muzzle you in public,” he said.
Meanwhile, DeSantis touted Florida as a “free state” where people want to live.
New York state is the “closest state to us population-wise,” DeSantis said.
“We have better services, roads…and all that stuff,” DeSantis said. “It just shows you they waste a lot of money; they tax people excessively. So, we’re in good shape.”
Condemning Florida’s controversial law, Adams also announced Monday that New York City’s digital billboard launch will run from April 4 to May 29, according to a press release.
One of the ads reads “New York City is alive. And so is free speech.”
Adams said in a written statement Monday:
“I am the mayor of New York City, but I have a message for Florida’s LGBTQ+ community — come to a city where you can say and be whoever you want. Florida’s ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill is the latest shameful, extremist culture war targeting the LGBTQ+ community. Today, we say to the families living in fear of this state-sponsored discrimination that you will always have a home in New York City.”
DeSantis has dissed New York in the past during the pandemic and even dissuaded travelers flying into Florida from New York by issuing an executive order in 2020 requiring a 14-day quarantine for those entering Florida from COVID hotspots at the time, such as New Jersey and New York.
Meanwhile, DeSantis heavily criticized the Biden administration during both press conferences Tuesday, blaming the Biden administration for issues, such as rising inflation.
“We need some different policies out of Washington, said DeSantis, who is considered a potential presidential pick. “Some of the wounds that we see are self-inflicted with bad policies.”
Judy says
Like that’s going to happen
Deirdre Rutledge says
I think it would be more productive if people with the LBGTQ+ movement living in New York City came to Tallahassee and shouted GAY! Waved rainbow flags, and voluntarily wore masks. Maybe rainbow masks that say gay for convenience.
The people of NYC have a history of supporting people from every
community with open arms, it’s great that the Mayor is emphasizing that point, and supporting the people in Florida who want to live in a democracy where all people are treated equally (or at least fairly).
Still, it’s better to change unfair politics in Florida than to move somewhere else. It has to be done, people shouldn’t have to leave their homes because of the hate and ignorance in the hands of a few people with power.
Andy B says
Great idea, Governor will give each person $1000 for boxes to pack their stuff and move North to NY! That will free up low cost housing for Veterans. But have disinfect first!
Justsayin says
Mayor Adams is correct, people who oposse the bill should consider going to New York where you can say gay.( and 5 to 8 year olds can be taught about sexually
and transgression in schools) It is not very often I agree with a Democrat, but I can support this request.
Justsayin
Mark says
“Meanwhile, DeSantis that “New York is doing billboards telling people, come, come to New York from Florida,” DeSantis said. “They are wasting taxpayer money on doing that.”
….says the Governor that wastes millions of dollars a year in self promotion and lawsuits along with flying around the State to a new posing opportunity every day of the week.
C’mon man!! says
Huge win for Adams, the city of New York and I agree 100%. You can have them. In fact, I’ll help ya pack up. Please move away from our great state if you don’t like it and take all the retired, 25 mph drivers back with you.
Enough says
Isn’t it amazing how this Governor keeps having to defend himself for passages of laws that were not needed in the first place. He states Florida is a “free” state, even though he continually takes away the rights of people he does not agree with, and do not agree with him. Last time I checked, all states are “free”, and that the USA as a whole, is a FREE country!! Maybe he needs to be reminded that FREE speech and the right to have more intelligent conversations on matters that should be on his agenda need to take preference.
Interesting too how he constantly attacks the current Administration on any issue, but yet, NEVER states how he would correct the problems. It’s easy to sit on the sidelines and criticize; if this dolt had any real concern for what is going on, he would contribute positive ideas to help not only Florida, but the country as a whole. But the truth is, he has no clue how to handle stress situations except to lash out at those who disagree with his ignorance. What’s next? Texting all day?
Ron says
Maybe Eric Adams should focus more on his state. Midtown is full of homeless and it’s crime ridden. In addition who in their right mind fires first responders who made a decision not to be vaccinated. But then allow sports figures to compete without the vaccine.
Me Too says
DeathSantis! Good for NY!
Donald says
DeSantis is the biggest “A” hole, I know it, you know it, everyone knows it. Whatever you do vote for me not this “A” hole. My Communist Escort can beat his Escort.
oldtimer says
Some of these comments make me wonder why all of the yankees who moved here from New York, Penn. New Jersey left in the first place, if things there are so good and things here are so backward why did you all come to this terrible Republican state?
Jonathan says
DeathSantis will do anything to get attention. He thinks by discriminating against gays and people of color he will get votes. He only cares about his selfish self. He is not for the people of Florida or anywhere else for that matter. Don’t let him hand you a bunch of promises that he has no intentions of ever doing. Vote him out it will be the best thing you can do.
Enough says
Because we want to make Florida a better state than what it is by endorsing some HONEST Politicians other than what is presently here. !