TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Gov. Ron DeSantis praised Florida's teachers and education leaders Wednesday evening as schools begin to reopen amid the coronavirus pandemic.
"I know this is a challenging time. I want to personally thank all of our teachers and administrators who have worked so hard to allow these opportunities for our kids. I know parents across Florida appreciate it too," DeSantis said.
The governor complimented the Martin County School District, whichstarted classes on Tuesday.
"Martin County Superintendent Laurie Gaylord told me today that she viewed reopening her schools as a mission akin to a Navy SEAL operation. Just as the SEALs surmounted obstacles to bring Osama bin Laden to justice, so too would the Martin County school system find a way to provide parents with a meaningful choice of in-person instruction or continued distance learning," DeSantis said.
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The governor also said Florida has seen sustained declines in new coronavirus cases and visits to the emergency room for COVID-like illnesses.
"We're not yet where we need to be, but we're encouraged by the trends," DeSantis said.
He also said Wednesday's increase in coronavirus cases in Miami-Dade County was a result of one private lab that included results from far back as June.
"To our kids, we're here for you. We want you to learn. We want you to compete in sports. We want you to participate in activities. You're the future of Florida, and we've got your back," the governor said.