More than 100 people gather on U.S. 1 in Stuart to protest mask mandates

STUART — On a personal level, Carolyn Kleinpeter of Vero Beach said she's had to take precautions because of the coronavirus.

But that doesn't mean she agrees with local government efforts to mandate behaviors of people as part of the fight against the spread of the respiratory disease.

"It's about our constitutional rights," said the 57-year-old woman, who joined more than 100 people at U.S. 1 and Southeast Monterrey Road for an anti-mask law protest Saturday morning. "I have the freedom to make choices for my body."

To combat the coronavirus, the Center for Disease Control recommends masks for anyone who will be around other people, and also to stay at least six feet away from them. 

The state reports the coronavirus has killed 121 people on the Treasure Coast as of Saturday, when three new deaths were reported. More than 6,500 people have been infected in the region. 

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Kleinpeter said she has lung issues, and also was advised to quarantine for 14 days when a co-worker became ill from the coronavrius. But when it comes to mask mandates, she says cities and counties are "overstepping their boundaries."

Saturday's waving event was called "I Will Not Comply" and was organized on Facebook by 24-year-old Britney Mozingo of Stuart. She was disappointed Martin County enacted its mask mandate, which carries with it fines of $50 to $250, depending on the number of times a person violates it.

"I'm glad they didn't make it a criminal offense," Mozingo said. "I can understand the reason they made the decision they did." 

But that decision was contrary to the wishes of Mozingo and many others who spoke to the County Commission this month, she said  

"What I believe is you should have the choice," she said. "The purpose of goverment is not to parent America."

A handful of people did wear masks at Saturday's demonstration, though each was a form of protest itself. One man wore a mask with the words "This is Tyranny" on it, while another wore a cloth mask with a hole torn around his mouth. 

MASK MANDATES ON THE TREASURE COAST 

Martin County: The county can fine a person not wearing a mask, though the following people, places or scenarios are exempt: children younger than 6; school, summer camp, daycare, childcare; religious organizations within their houses of worship; people already exempt from wearing face coverings by federal or state law; those exercising while social distancing; people receiving goods or services for a short period; eating or drinking; haircuts; dental work; medical conditions or disabilities; assisting the hearing impaired; hotels and vacation rentals, except for in common spaces; outdoor work or recreation with social distancing. 

St. Lucie County: The public is strongly encouraged to wear face coverings, but not required. The county requires face covering for all people who work in restaurants, grocery stores, food service, salons, gyms and other retail establishments and businesses open to the public and any locations visited by the public where social distancing is not possible. 

Indian River County: Tuesday, the County Commission will consider a proposal requiring masks in any indoor public space where social distancing is not possible, and in any outdoor public place where more than 50 people are gathering and social distancing is not possible. 

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Lamaur Stancil is the Treasure Coast regional economy reporter covering business and industries, including retail, tourism and hospitality. Contact him at 321-987-7179 or lamaur.stancil@tcpalm.com and follow him at Lamaur Stancil on Facebook and @TCPalmLStancil on Twitter.