Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks during a news conference, Thursday, April 8, 2021, at PortMiami in Miami. DeSantis announced a lawsuit against the federal government and the CDC demanding that cruise ships be allowed to sail. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
OAN Newsroom
UPDATED 2:15 PM PT – Thursday, April 8, 2021
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) announced he’s suing the federal government over its decision to keep the cruise industry shut down. DeSantis announced the lawsuit against the Biden administration, the Department of Health and Human Services and the CDC during a press conference Thursday.
This lawsuit is necessary to protect Floridians from the federal government’s overreach and resulting economic harm to our state. https://t.co/I0uLeBzZqZ
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) April 8, 2021
Cruise lines have been banned from operating since March of 2020, following COVID-19 outbreaks and deaths on several ships. According to reports, the ban has affected 60,000 Ssouth Floridians employed by the cruise lines by cutting hours and even some jobs entirely.
“What most people don’t realize is the impact this has on vendors, business partners, communities, including the folks right here in Port Canaveral,” Disney Cruise Lines President Tom Mazloum said. “Governor, they’re struggling. Let’s get people back to work. The health situation has changed.”
The CDC required all cruise lines to pass a series of health and safety protocols, but has yet to announce a solid date on when cruise lines can set sail again.
