Mount Dora first city in Lake County to require face masks in public

MOUNT DORA, Fla. — Mount Dora became the first city in Lake County to require face masks in public as of Friday.

The Mount Dora City Council approved the resolution on Tuesday.

READ: Coronavirus: Central Florida counties, cities with mask mandates

It states: "Every person working, living, visiting or doing business in the City of Mount Dora is required to wear a Face Covering, consistent with the current CDC Guidelines while inside any public place."

“Mount Dora’s motto is someplace special and we’re trying to do this by setting the right example and educating people to the importance of this and we think this is a good way to go about it,” Vice Mayor Harmon Massey said.

The resolution also calls for proper social distancing of at least six feet in outdoor spaces and public places.

Councilmembers said the city will seek voluntary compliance with the ordinance.

READ: Senator says it’s ‘irresponsible’ that Florida doesn’t have statewide face mask mandate

“We are a community that tries to work together with all our citizens to solve issues and this is an excellent step forward to address face cover wearing in Mount Dora,” Mayor Cathy Hoechst said in a statement. “We will continue our observations of compliance and will address again at a future council meeting if needed.”

She said there will always be people who chose not to wear a face covering, and those who will wear them at all time.

“My hope is that this resolution helps those who are unsure to voluntary wear a face covering and that we all use common sense, good judgment and err on the side of caution,” she said.

Lake County has not decided whether students in schools will need to wear masks, but the resolution in Mount Dora would include classrooms

“That’s the way it stands right now,” Massey said. “Inside public places within the city of Mount Dora are covered.”

Video: Senator says it's 'irresponsible' that Florida doesn't have statewide face mask mandate Sen. Linda Stewart of Orange County said it's "irresponsible" that the state doesn't have a statewide face mask mandate.

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