Lawsuit filed against Jacksonville’s mask mandate

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Representative and Attorney Anthony Sabatini has filed a lawsuit on behalf of Jason French, against the City of Jacksonville, saying the mask mandate is unconstitutional and unlawful.

He made the announcement at a rally in front of the Duval County Courthouse with dozens of people who supported him.

“We’re asking for essentially one of two things,” Sabatini said. “Either amend this proclamation and just go back to a recommendation of mass that they want to recommend that that’s totally fine if they want to incentivize people to work. That’s fine. Business owners and workers and individuals should be in charge of that decision.”

French, the owner of French Capital Management, says he does not have an issue with masks, but is worried about other consequences.

“If you want to have a face mask on, that’s fine. You can go ahead and have it. But it should be our option to wear face masks if we so deem. So if you have a health condition that makes you especially susceptible to diseases or viruses, please tell me to socially distance from you,” French said. “Tell any of us to. I have friends and family that are at high risk from viruses and other bacterial infections because of their immune deficiencies. I’m aware of this. We’re all aware of this. But the important thing here that Mr. Sabatini is representing me in this case to articulate is the fact that there are other unintended consequences that are coming from the best of intentions.”

The city has responded saying it is an irresponsible lawsuit.

“At a time our City is facing not only a public health crisis, but severe budgetary constraints as a result of the virus, an elected official filing a lawsuit that will further strain taxpayers resources seems irresponsible. As we do with all Executive Orders, we worked closely with our Office of General Counsel to ensure compliance with applicable laws,” Jordan Elsbury, Chief of Staff.

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