DeSantis brings back Florida lawmakers to crack down on pandemic mandates

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - A special legislative session dubbed "Keep Florida Free" begins Monday at the behest of Gov. Ron DeSantis, who wants lawmakers to pass more measures to block coronavirus vaccine mandates by public and private employers.

The four bills being considered would ratchet up the penalties for businesses, local governments and other entities that require workers to be vaccinated against the virus and students to wear masks in school. According to DeSantis, a Republican, the session will strengthen as well as augment rules already in place - in part through his own executive orders. ...

Democrats have been highly critical of the gathering. DeSantis and his allies "want to throw some red meat to the base and keep them happy," said State Rep. Michael Grieco of Miami Beach. "Decisions are being made based on politics, not based on the well-being and health and safety of Floridians."...