MARTIN COUNTY, Fla. — The recent decision by Martin County commissioners to require mask prompted a protest Saturday along U.S. Highway 1.
Nearly 100 Martin County residents made it known that they do not support a recently passed mask mandate in the county.
The order requires people to wear masks in businesses and outside spaces where social distancing isn't possible.
Commissioners said it passed as an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus through the county.
Curtis Crocker said he's protesting, even as a COVID-19 survivor.
"It's not that I don't care about other people getting sick," he said. "I lost two of my friends this week that died from COVID this week."
Brittney Mozingo organized the protest after she was frustrated by the county's vote.
"I have a mask in my pocket. There are times that I think you should. There are times I think you shouldn't," she said. "However, I do also believe it's my responsibility to take care of my health and not anybody else's to tell me."
Some do not expect commissioners to take another vote but said they just hope to feel heard moving forward.
"What I hope the most is that people will see there are people who feel the way they feel," Mozingo said. "There are other people that feel stepped on. There are other people who understand that the purpose of government is to protect my right, not take it away."
