Santa Rosa Beach-based lawyer Daniel Uhlfelder has announced plans to tour a number of Florida beaches that have reopened far too early thanks to Republican governor Ron DeSantis. The costume will serve to warn visitors ignoring social distancing guidelines in what has to be one of the most darkly genius moves I’ve seen in a long time.
Many of you have asked if I am willing to travel around Florida wearing Grim Reaper attire to the beaches and other areas of the state opening up prematurely. The answer is absolutely yes. Beginning May 1 we will hit the road here in state. Please retweet and spread the word. pic.twitter.com/UO7QKg161n
— Daniel Uhlfelder (@DWUhlfelderLaw) April 22, 2020
- What’s so hard to understand about social distancing? The fact that Florida beaches have reopened is ridiculous. When we’re in the midst of a global health crisis and people already don’t take social distancing guidelines seriously, to reopen a public space that draws masses of crowds and simply expect them to do the right thing is irresponsible at best and downright deadly at worst. An appearance from the Grim Reaper is all too appropriate here.
- Uhlfelder is heading off on his Grim Reaper tour on May 1. Announcing his intention to hit up the reopened beaches on Twitter, he wrote, “Many have asked if I would travel the coastal towns of Florida to warn our fellow Floridians about the dangers of not social distancing in the attire of the Grim Reaper, and the answer is a resounding yes!”
- The tour isn’t just a good bit of black comedy, it’s for a good cause too. Uhlfelder’s willingness to don a Grim Reaper costume and scare he living daylights out of Florida beachgoers serves a dual purpose: to raise awareness and to raise funds for Democrats running for office. He’s accepting donations for this on his fundraising page. As of April 22, he’d already raised nearly $3,500 towards his $20,000 goal.
- It’s sad that this is even necessary. There’s so much idiocy here on so many levels. First, you have the governor making such a reckless decision that he surely knows is dangerous. Second, you have all the people who think this is some kind of joke and that they’re fine to go hang out at a crowded beach all day. The fact that Uhlfelder even has an opportunity for his Grim Reaper beach tour just goes to show what a hot mess Florida is (as if we needed more proof).
- Here’s hoping Uhlfelder’s campaign is successful and people stop being dumb. Seriously, stay home.
We have already raised $1,788 towards our $20,000 fundraising goal that will be contributed to Democrats running for Congress. Please retweet and chip in $20.20 here: https://t.co/IqaXdf39Ye
— Daniel Uhlfelder (@DWUhlfelderLaw) April 22, 2020