LONGBOAT KEY, Fla. — On Thursday, leaders in the town of Longboat Key voted to approve a mandatory face mask ordinance. It will go into effect on Friday, July 3.
Everyone doing business in the Town of Longboat Key is expected to wear a face covering in any indoor and outdoor public location. The ordinance will go into effect Friday, July 3 at 12:01 a.m.
Town officials say 69% of Longboat Key’s full-time residents are over the age of 65. That is the most susceptible group to severe illness from COVID-19 and leaders say those residents are in imminent danger.
The emergency ordinance will require masks to be worn in any public areas where social distancing guidelines can’t be met.
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Businesses open to the public would have to post a notice about the town’s face mask requirements. Town leaders plan to strictly enforce these rules.
There are some exceptions on the mask mandate. People who are eating or drinking do not have to wear a face covering.
lf a child is under the age of 6, the use of a face covering is left to the discretion of that person's parent, guardian or accompanying adult. Also, children under the age of 2 are not required to wear a mask under any circumstances as CDC guidelines state that a face covering is not appropriate for this age group.
People who are exercising do not have to wear a face covering as well.
There will be penalties for a violation of this face mask order.
The first offense comes with a $100 fine, the second offense a $250 fine and the third, and subsequent offenses, will be a $500 fine.
