Pollstar (10/12/21)

The Florida Department of Health has fined Leon County $3.5 million for imposing a COVID-19 vaccination mandate on employees and for firing 14 workers who failed to get vaccinated, thus violating the state's ban on businesses and governments from requiring proof of vaccination. The decision came a day after the Orlando Sentinel reported a state investigation into dozens of local governments, performing arts centers, the Miami Marlins, a law enforcement counter-terrorism unit and a concert by singer Harry Styles for violating the law. Some 120 cases are being reviewed for violations, as indicated in a public records request from the Sentinel. Potential violators include the Amway Center, which is home to the Orlando Magic and the recent host of the concert by Styles, whose tour required that attendees either be vaccinated or have a negative COVID-19 test. The Marlins is the only major sports team on the list currently under investigation, while also making the list was the Gasparilla Music Festival in Tampa. Meanwhile, Fort Lauderdale's Broward Center for the Performing Arts asks customers to provide documentation of a recent negative COVID-19 test, or proof they are fully vaccinated. Broward Center CEO Kelley Shanley said the policy aligns with comments from Gov. Ron DeSantis' spokeswoman Christina Pushaw. "If concert-goers can provide a negative COVID test instead of a vaccine passport, that is acceptable under the law," Pushaw was quoted as saying. "People who want to show proof of vaccination instead of a COVID test are free to do that. It just cannot be compelled."

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