Keneci Network (@keneci)

"No Longer A Debate." Florida Sheriff Bans Employees, Visitors From Wearing Masks Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods Tuesday, instructed his deputies and staff -- as well as visitors to the sheriff’s office -- not to wear masks when they are on duty, barring some exceptions. "This is no longer a debate nor is it up for discussion," the top cop in the north central Florida county said in an email to employees. He noted that recently passed ordinance by the City council "exempts government entities and leaves the decision to the figure heads.” "So, as for us, my order will stand as is when you are on-duty/working as my employee and representing my Office – masks will not be worn," Woods wrote in an email. Employees, however, can wear "only pre-approved masks" in some cases: if HR instructs them to, and if they are at hospitals, the courthouse, the jail, or public or private schools that have mask mandates for students. Deputies should also carry masks while on patrol in case they have to respond to a nursing home or assisted living facility. The city ordinance mandating masks was initially vetoed by Mayor Kent Guinn, but passed last week, after his veto was overridden by the council. Both Guinn and Ocala Police Chief Greg Graham have publicly vowed they would not enforce the mandate. http://www.keneci.com