Florida Governor Ron DeSantis wants to roll back the emergency powers of local governments – especially mask mandates – through Legislative action. That has drawn sharp criticism from city and county officials and Democratic lawmakers who say masks and other public health steps enacted by local leaders remain a big part of Florida’s continuing push to overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic. Governor DeSantis has never issued a statewide mask requirement. Last week DeSantis signed an executive order canceling any fines issued by local governments against individuals and businesses related to COVID-19 restrictions. With vaccine supplies increasing, Alabama, Mississippi, Texas, Montana and Iowa have all eliminated state mask mandates in recent weeks.