Punta Gorda extends city mask requirement for another 6 months

City hall saw emotional discussion over the future of masks in Punta Gorda. Some say removing the requirement can help businesses. Others say it needs to stay in place to protect people. And many businesses have signs on the door reminding people to cover up.

Punta Gorda City Council unanimously voted to extend the city mask ordinance for the next six months during its meeting Wednesday.

“I think it makes sense to wear a mask until this thing dies down,” Dan Walters said.

The end result: You must wear a mask or face shield whenever you’re shopping or dining in the city.

“I’d like to see them get rid of it,” Waymon Young said. “I don’t think it’s necessary.”

Punta Gorda’s mask ordinance will remain effective through April 30, 2021.

“I think that what happens is, with the mask mandate here in Punta Gorda, I think a lot of people go elsewhere,” Tim Looney said.

“It makes you feel safer when you’re in a restaurant, and there’s a mask policy,” Lisa McKean said.

Seasonal neighbors begin to head north around the time the requirement will be set to expire. While they’re here, hopefully the number of coronavirus cases go down.

“I don’t think that we’ve gotten this virus under control, so I am just 100% masks,” McKean said.

Punta Gorda put the ordinance in place over the summer. Still, businesses big and small don’t exactly follow the face covering requirement.

“I would like to maybe see us do another blast in the city, have the PD and code distribute flyers, reminding businesses that we still have this mask mandate in place,” Mayor Lynne Matthews said.

The governor’s executive order prevents local governments from enforcing face mask rules. Cities and businesses can still require them, but no one can fine you for not wearing one.

“We don’t know that much about this disease yet, so we know that this helps,” Walters said.