DeSantis administration fines WESH over vaccine mandate for political debate

Published Feb. 8, 2023, 7:33 p.m. ET | Updated Feb. 8, 2023

Gov. Ron DeSantis tours St. Augustine, assessing damage from Hurricane Ian, Oct. 1, 2022.
Gov. Ron DeSantis tours St. Augustine, assessing damage from Hurricane Ian, Oct. 1, 2022.

NEW YORK (FLV) – The DeSantis administration’s Department of Health fined WESH 2 News for implementing a vaccine mandate that ultimately barred GOP congressional candidate Scotty Moore, and his staff, from entering the studio for a political debate.

According to the letter, obtained by POLITICO, a fine of $5,000 per person is required under Florida law for businesses requiring proof of vaccination from COVID-19, or post-infection recovery, “to gain access to, entry upon, or service from the entity.” The department cited Section 381.00316(1), Florida Statutes.

WESH 2 is local news in the Orlando area and operates under Hearst Television, Inc.

In September, the congressional debate between Moore and Democrat Darren Soto was canceled because of the Republican’s vaccination status.

Former Republican congressional candidate Scotty Moore. (Photo/Scotty Moore)

“Today, WESH 2 Orlando cancelled the debate between Darren Soto and myself for what they cited as my being unvaccinated. Not only are liberal government politicians pushing mandates upon us, now woke corporate America is doing the same,” Moore said. “I believe in medical freedom, and I believe my voice, political or otherwise, should not be silenced for refusing to adhere to this unproven vaccine.”

The general manager offered a virtual debate, Moore said; but he argued “face to face conversations” cannot be replaced.

“Life is not meant to live virtually,” he previously said.

Soon after, the Republican Party of Florida joined Moore in filing a complaint against the station for violating state law.

“WESH-2 has adopted the COVID corporate policy of its parent company, Hearst Television, which violates section 381.00316, Florida Statutes. We ask that you immediately investigate WESH-2’s COVID policy, and if it is found to be in violation of Florida law, take appropriate action,” the complaint said.

The complaint said the Moore campaign received an email that read, “our parent company, Hearst Television, requires all employees and guests to be vaccinated against COVID 19. Additionally, all guests must sign a Health Waiver for entry into the building.”

“The decision by WESH-2 to cancel the Congressional District 9 debate because of a candidate’s vaccination status is discriminatory, unlawful and will not be ignored by the Republican Party of Florida,” RPOF Chairman Joe Gruters said.

“I really believe that medical freedom matters. The governor signed into law and said there shouldn’t be any vaccine passports,” Moore previously said. “This is something that should not happen. We’re not going back to 2020. We’re moving forward.”

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