Crowds flocking to beaches lashed on Twitter as #FloridaMorons
Hundreds of Americans flocking to Florida’s beaches after they reopened has promoted anger and a #FloridaMorons hashtag.
Hundreds of Americans have flocked to Florida’s beaches as they reopened, three days after a coronavirus death spike in the state, prompting a “Florida Morons” hashtag on social media.
After Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis gave the go ahead, dumbfounding some officials, people descended on the beaches, with social distancing seemingly the last thing on their minds.
Some came from interstate including one woman who posted an online video of her on the beach saying she had driven from New York and “You’ve just gotta get and go. Just live your life!”.
When Twitter users reacted in horror at the visit by a citizen from the global coronavirus epicentre, with one posting “OMG we’re doomed” and others posting the hashtag #FloridaMorons, she removed the video.
Photos on beaches like Jacksonville on the Atlantic coast in northern Florida show people out with their towels and eskies, strolling in groups, swimming and rarely wearing masks.
Some played group sports like volleyball and photos of the scene drew further outcry on social media with the #FloridaMoron.
“I understand the push to get back to work,” one user wrote. “We all have bills to pay. I don’t remotely get the rush to the beaches in some sort of childish own-the-libs hissy fit.
“Especially since engaging in this behaviour endangers being able to get back to work.”
Another Twitter poster, @ClarckSofia wrote: “In 1918 Philadelphia ended quarantine from Spanish flu early & had parade to boost morale.
“Within days all hospital beds in the city was filled & in short order more than 4500 people died.
“Those who cannot learn from the past are doomed to repeat it. #FloridaMoron #StayatHome.”
In 1918 Philadelphia ended quarantine from Spanish Flu early & had parade to boost morale.Within days all hospital beds in the city was filled & in short order more than 4,500 people died.
— Sofia Clarck (@ClarckSofia) April 19, 2020
Those who cannot learn from the past are doomed to repeat it#FloridaMoron #StayatHome pic.twitter.com/yvA1v6Ui4C
She just deleted the post right now on facebook.
— Clementine Clementine (@ClementineCle13) April 20, 2020
But I took the screen recording.
This is insine! #floridamorons #COVID19 #wtf pic.twitter.com/WtvRhIJFpL
Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry reopened beaches on the same day as the Governor’s edict, albeit with restricted hours, for “essential activities” like running, fishing, surfing, hiking and walking the dog, but not sunbathing.
CNN reported people on the beach described being locked away by stay-at-home restrictions as “torture”.
The state is the first of several to start slowly reopening public spaces even as coronavirus continues to spread.
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“This can be the beginning of the pathway back to normal life,” Mayor Curry said. “Please respect and follow these limitations.
“Stay within the guidelines for your safety as well as for the safety of your neighbours.”
The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at Washington University forecast that Florida had passed its peak two weeks ago.
However last Friday, the state saw its highest one-day increase in cases and deaths surpassed 700.
And these #FloridaMoron will flood Publix and share what they carry to essential workers which have been working so hard for their families and everyone who needs food! These are bunch of selfish morons.
— â•njie âš¡ (@Onjie777) April 19, 2020
The essential workers wish they could stay home. They do!! ðŸ˜
Have you heard the one about the #FloridaMorons rushing out to the beaches because their moron Governor reopened them?
— BrooklynDad_Defiant! (@mmpadellan) April 18, 2020
We're gonna need bigger mass graves. 😡😡https://t.co/7DY5wgE5cG
The reopening drew criticism from other officials, who described it as “very scary” or stupid.
“When a person doesn’t believe in science, they do dumb things,” Lake Worth Beach City Commissioner Omari Hardy tweeted.
“When a person in power doesn’t believe in science, they do dumb things that hurt the public. This move is so dumb that I had to make sure it wasn’t fake news. You guys, it isn’t fake news.”
Other sentiments about the people returning to the beaches were that they were selfish.
Saying the move could endanger lives @onjie777 posted: “And these #FloridaMoron will flood Publix and share what they carry to essential workers which have been working so hard for their families and everyone who needs food!
“These are bunch of selfish morons. The essential workers wish they could stay home. They do!!”
Another Twitter poster said: “Have you heard the one about the #FloridaMorons rushing out to the beaches because their moron Governor reopened them?
“We’re gonna need bigger mass graves.”
The video posted by the New Yorker who travelled to the beach shows her in a red swimsuit and white shorts in high spirits describing the scene.
“Hey Facebook, I know it’s insane but they said the beaches were open in Florida so I got in my car and I drove from New York and it’s beautiful!” she says.
“Look I’ll show you the waves. Nothing but ocean.
“It’s about 84 degrees, I’m loving it, having a great time.
“You’ve just gotta get and go. Just live your life!”
Among the horrified responses was that from @ClementineCle13 who tweeted: “I really must get serious about getting the hell out of this state”.
But others lashed out at the new hashtag, saying it was unwarranted, indicating agreement or disapproval of stay-at-home laws is increasingly a political divide between Democrats and Republicans.
“The only way we beat this damn thing is with Herd Immunity,” tweeted @RealMattCouch.
“Opening the Beaches in Florida was brilliant, and it’s time to open America Up.
“The left tweets out #FloridaMorons because they’re clueless.
“You’ve been played, lied to, and controlled America.”
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