Stop the Spread, SRQ

Hate has no place in Sarasota, and it certainly doesn't deserve the legitimization being offered by current and campaigning Sarasota County Schools members, namely Karen Rose and Sandra 4 SRQ School Board - District 5. Raise your hand if you find it disturbing that the Proud Boys are being given a voice in our children's schooling? Share and follow Support Our Schools to stomp out more than Covid in our community. Full article in comments.

https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/opinion/columns/guest/2021/12/28/sarasota-doesnt-need-school-board-reps-who-link-divisive-groups/9018838002/

OPINION: Rose, Jimenez must apologize for town hall appearance Support Our Schools members write that Sarasota School Board member Karen Rose and candidate Sandra Jimenez were wrong to appear at a divisive town hall event.

Them: “Masks don’t work.”
Scientists: “ The odds of a school-associated COVID-19 outbreak in schools with no mask requirement were 3.7 times higher than those in schools with an early mask requirement.”

https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/70/wr/mm7039e1.htm

Association Between K–12 School Mask... This report describes Arizona school associated COVID-19 outbreaks higher in schools without mask requirements than in schools with mask requirements.

We posted this comment earlier today, but upon further reflection, we think it warrants it’s own post.

While our group is always interested in bridging the gap, we are forced to consider who is wanting to have a sit down. We have to assess the person’s ability to process evidence & we must consider whether there is hope. One of the most valuable lessons I have personally learned from working in a psychiatric hospital is that you don’t argue with people who are detached from reality. We worry that the efforts to come together would be futile & instead we will continue to focus on shining a disinfecting light on the problem for the world to see.
Exhibit W:
https://www.vice.com/en/article/k78vvm/sarasota-florida-conspiracy-capital

Here’s what we won’t do:

In spite of the laundry list of evidence that we have to showcase the violent criminals offenses of the other side (our legal team was able to compile a beautifully detailed list- dang they love domestic violence!), we won’t attack the people or their personal lives. We don’t need to stoop that low (yet) (Lev. 24:19–21).
We also won’t lie, we don’t need to do that either. The truth is ironically faaaar better than any lie that we could make up. We won’t shout & interrupt them either (it’s a terrible example to set for our children).
In fact, we won’t even bother defending ourselves & the bat-sh*t-crazy Conspiracy theories we have had the distinct pleasure (and I mean PLEASURE!) of reading about ourselves. We are focused on dismantling the lies & the rhetoric. We have the support of our local medical professionals & we have an inbox littered with thank you’s from them.
We are not the bullies. Try to remember that. We’re just standing up to the bullies who yell the loudest & threaten the most. They have convinced themselves that they are the majority & i have a feeling that their wake up call will be similar to the men & women who were arrested after the insurrection & realized that they too were duped. But by then, it’s too late.
I hope that the lawless anti-maskers stay focused on ridiculous tiktoks & spreading lies… we’ll focus on the issues. May the group that represents the majority of our citizens win. It’s time to act like adults.

How Sarasota Became the Conspiracy Capital of the United States Conspiracists like Michael Flynn and the Cyber Ninjas have descended on Sarasota, where doctors recently signed 4,000 mask waivers for children with anti-vax parents.

We started out thinking this was just about masks. When they realized they could no longer say that masks don't work, they fell in line to start saying it was "parental liberties."

What we know is that there is something much more sinister than anyone expected happening in Sarasota County, and it includes some of the most dangerous proponents of the far right conspiracy theories that have been rotting the core of our community.

This is far bigger than just masks. Our poor community members have been manipulated into fighting for a side fueled by dark money and politics.

And the world is taking notice.

https://www.vice.com/en/article/k78vvm/sarasota-florida-conspiracy-capital

How Sarasota Became the Conspiracy Capital of the United States Conspiracists like Michael Flynn and the Cyber Ninjas have descended on Sarasota, where doctors recently signed 4,000 mask waivers for children with anti-vax parents.

***Not local, but still heartbreaking for her children.

At what point can the founders of these dangerous misinformation groups take a step back, admit they were wrong, and stop packaging up misinformation under the guise of "liberty" and "parental rights"? When you say covid barely effects children, does it cross your mind that being suddenly motherless is as traumatic as we can imagine?

This movement was set into motion by local school board member Bridget Ziegler and is far from grassroots. There is money behind it and we want to know why donors want to invest in misinformation that causes death.

They think we live in fear. The only fear we have is that someone who doesn't have a say has their life turned upside down because a community of toxic "patriots" are listening to the wrong people when it comes to science and medical information.

This does not have to keep happening. Your parental rights are far less important than the rights of an entire community to eradicate this virus. It's time to stop pretending this isn't happening.

Get vaccinated. Wear a mask. You won't have parental rights to worry about if you're dead.

When it comes to the health and safety of our children and community, politics should take a backseat to the advice from our medical community. Tune in to Anderson Cooper on CNN tonight to see how the dangerous political games being played out here in Sarasota are affecting our community and our schools. Randi Kaye sat down with Jules Souls today to learn more about what we're facing as we try to Stop the Spread.

We usually see a receptionist when we walk into the doctor's office... this is a first...

At the Moms for Liberty sponsored event to dole out more exemptions from "real" MDs instead of the (who also helped set this fun family event up...)

You can't sleep through this anymore. This cult is extending the pandemic for us all. You do remember that Bridget Ziegler started this alt-right group of entitled fake patriots right? Just before her husband booked 3 buses to the insurrection. Most of this crowd thinks Trump won the election. They are not living in the real world and do not care about you or your kids.

While some of us are playing dress up on TikTok, others are working to Stop the Spread of Covid in Sarasota.

We may be biased, but none of us thought this remotely funny, especially when you realize that the woman who thinks it's hilarious is the butt of Twitter's jokes right now. Way to do Sarasota proud, again, Melissa Bakondy!

ICYMI - this same group of anti-mask parents brought national fame to Sarasota less than a week ago for promoting the information that led us to shine a light on the waiver-mill being run by the Venice chiropractor.

This has never been about masks for them. They have no science. They have no data. So they resort to bullying, misinformation, and bringing shame to our city. Do better moms - the kids are watching.

Links in thread.

Stop the Spread, SRQ updated their website address.

We offer three easy ways to throw your support behind Sarasota School Kids and help us Stop the Spread.

https://www.stopthespreadsrq.org/support-srq-kids

Show your support for the Sarasota County School mask mandate by signing below and sharing!

https://chng.it/KXQzfvPpP8

Thank you Board Members at SMA for adopting this sensible policy. If your charter school has not adopted the Sarasota County Schools masking policy, please continue to reach out to the board.

An example email and contact information are in the thread.

Announcement from SMA:
https://www.sarasotamilitaryacademy.org/covid19

A mask policy won't work if so many parents are willing to do anything to prevent their children from protecting other students.

Our local chiropractor apparently submitted over 500 exemptions. His lawyer said in Newsweek "Dr. Busch and his associates only sign a mask exemption if they make a diagnosis within their scope of practice as licensed chiropractors, such as a neuromuscular skeletal condition, which would warrant a student to be medically excused from wearing a mask," the statement said.

We know this to be untrue as Dan Busch's staff was having the parents in that line on Monday night write their own diagnosis for not wearing a mask. He did not do a medical history, medication records review, or an actual physical examination.

Now he is planning on suing and also has weekend plans to get other local quacks to help these selfish parents get their way. Remember, this is for a 90 day mandate that will go away as soon as our positivity rate drops below 8%.

Links in thread.

Hey Sarasota! I hope everyone saw the email from Dr. Asplen. We did it. We called attention to an issue and they adjusted the policy to allow exemptions from MDs, DOs, and ARPNs only. Dr. Dan's fraudulent exemptions will not fly. So sorry to the people who stood in line trying to outsmart the system last night.

We expect them to go for the religious exemption next. As far as we can tell, there is no religion that instructs its followers to put their neighbors in danger and go without a face mask, as urged by CDC and AAP. If any of you know of any religious leaders that would suggest otherwise, please let us know.

Statement from Dr. Asplen:
https://www.sarasotacountyschools.net/Page/4678

Superintendent / Superintendent's Letter – August 31, 2021 Sarasota County Schools is a public school district serving all of Sarasota County, Florida. The School District of Sarasota County prepares students to achieve the highest learning standards by engaging a high-quality staff, involved parents, and a supportive community.

Meanwhile, a chiropractor in Venice is doing group examinations to give our county's school children an exemption from wearing a mask.

Why don't these parents go to their regular pediatrician? Because their pediatricians believe in science and understand the threat covid is presenting.

We urge you to follow the advice of respected doctors and not a chiropractor with no medical license. Please stop gambling with your children's lives.

https://www.facebook.com/133388173349674/posts/4691552917533154/?d=n

Today, The New York Times and Los Angeles Times feature our plea to all Americans. It’s urgent that we take the scientifically proven measures to protect our children:
- Get vaccinated. 💉
- Wear masks, especially in schools. 😷
- Social distance and wash hands. 🤲

What if we told you that the mostly white anti-maskers are comparing their movement to the life changing displays of noncompliance history remembers at Selma and Rosa Parks?

What if we told you they have such an oppression complex that they're brainwashing their children into thinking that wearing a mask to protect those around them is a sign of weakness and that should they cry discrimination if anyone tries to tread on their liberty?

You'd think we were in a parallel universe, but that is what Sarasota county has become. We are all so burnt out. We used to be compassionate but now the most compassion we can give anymore is the mask we wear to protect those around us. We cannot let this group of unhinged self-proclaimed patriots ruin the area so many of us call home.

We must band together and ask them to stop comparing their movement to a time in history when segregation of people by color was still active. We must tell them that the reason we are still in this pandemic is because they would never wear a mask, social distance, or get a vaccine. And worse? The misinformation they have spread is affecting our entire community.

This group is an absolute sham and is ruining our area. Please join us in uniting against their hate and misinformation. We are out of empathy.

If you're in the medical community, how does this make you feel? 😭

Please know that there are so many more of us who support you and your expertise. What can we do for you?

We're vaccinated. We're taking precautions. We want everyone to get through this in one piece. We just can't get through to them.

There's another protest planned for tomorrow. Please anti-mask/vaccine... we are begging you not to put our heroes through this.

SSAS to follow suit with a mask mandate in accordance with the School Board! 🎉 🥳💪🏼
Read their announcement here: http://ssas.org/151
Contact your charter school and implore them to follow the advice of the medical community. Contacts and sample letter in thread.

*Like*Follow*Share* for updates on how to keep our community safe.

We cannot let our voices go unheard. Email the commissioner of education at:

[email protected]

Let him know we believe what the scientific and medical communities are stating with regard to the mitigation provided by universal indoor masking.

The anti-mask crowd got a jump start. They do not recognize Judge Cooper's decision. Video of what they are saying in thread. Sample email in thread.

DO NOT LET THEM MAKE PUBLIC HEALTH DECISIONS FOR OUR CHILDREN. Let the scientific voice of reason prevail.

***Sarasota Testing Updates***

Saturday 8/28/2021 Morning

Ed Smith Stadium 🏟
Almost no wait
PCR Only
They allow you to test yourself (nasal) - not sure if this affects reliability

Robert Taylor Community Center 👨‍👨‍👦‍👦
Walk right up
Rapid and PCR
You test yourself (does anyone know if this reduces reliability?)

We drove by the racetrack and the line was outrageous

Let us know your updates below. Addresses in thread.

Without a doubt, the healthcare community is under so much strain. The hospitals are clogged with the unvaccinated.

How do we work together to stop the machine that is feeding misinformation throughout the community?

How do we get medical attention for unrelated medical crises when they can't take us because of preventable covid hospitalizations?

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/covid-us-hospital-icu-bed-shortage-veteran-dies-treatable-illness/

Veteran dies of treatable illness as COVID fills hospital beds, leaving doctors "playing musical chairs" The surge in new COVID cases is putting an enormous strain on hospitals, jeopardizing patients who cannot get the medical attention they need because of a lack of space.

Sarasota - this is why we are fighting! An update from the press office at Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital

They believe masking should be continued as a prevention measure. Do not listen to the people that have said Covid doesn't affect kids and masks don't work. Listen to the medical community! Their expertise should be the only deciding factor - not the unqualified opinions of extremists.

Check for daily reports here:
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/coronavirus/covid-19-daily-report.html

Stay informed on visitor policies here:
https://www.hopkinsallchildrens.org/Patients-Families/Coronavirus-(COVID-19)

***CALL TO ACTION***

Email your school board members to insist they amend the mask mandate to include a medical opt-out from a child's regular physician or psychiatrist ONLY.

To email all School Board members:
[email protected]

Shirley Brown Chair
[email protected]

Jane Goodwin Vice-Chair
[email protected]

Tom Edwards
[email protected]

Karen Rose
[email protected]

Bridget Ziegler
[email protected]

[email protected]

There are people in the medical community that are willing to do anything to prevent us from placing public health at the foremost in our community. Do not let them get away with this!

***BREAKING***

The Honorable Judge John Cooper of the 2nd Judicial Circuit concludes:
FL law "does not support a statewide order, or any action interfering with the constitutionally provided authority of local school districts to provide for the safety and health of children, based on the unique facts on the ground in a particular county."

Sarasota County School District will be able to uphold the mask mandate that was implemented last week.

Now the anti-mask parents will be scrambling to get medical opt-outs and we must make sure the school board only allows medical exemptions from the child’s established pediatrician or psychiatrist.

There is a chiropractor in Venice who is GIVING out medical exemptions. As a parent, you can sign in and take a medical exemption. He is not seeing your child. He is handing them out at his front desk.

This chiropractor and any other like him must be held accountable.
Dr. Danny C. Busch
Twin Palms Chiropractic Health Center
808 E. Venice Ave
Venice, FL

Please file a complaint at:
http://www.floridahealth.gov/licensing-and-regulation/enforcement/report-unlicensed-activity/file-a-complaint.html

A doctor who has not seen your child should not be able to offer an exemption. Medical exemptions should only be given by your child's regular pediatrician or psychiatrist.

Watch along -

The Honorable John Cooper is making a decision on DeSantis' statewide mask policy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aaOWGgyqDAA

21-CA-1382 McCarthy vs DeSantis & DOE

🛑 STOP THE SPREAD. 🦠

One of the biggest problems we are seeing in our area is the rapid spread of... sure, Covid... but also misinformation. It is time to call anyone out when they act as if their opinion is scientific. This is the reason we're fighting. They want to believe whatever they saw on the internet gives them free rein to influence our policies. In a time of crisis, a viral meme should not be how decisions are made.

You aren't going to change their mind. But if you ask for a source and they cannot provide one, you can also request they take a seat.

How do you know if a source is good? 🤔
👀 See who owns the publication they are citing.
💰 Does the person behind the publication stand to benefit financially from the misinformation?
🔬Research should be referenced to back up any claims.
✅This research should be peer reviewed (it's like quality control for science!)

There are many citations with links to studies that have not been peer reviewed yet.
🚫If not peer reviewed, it is a hypothesis, not scientific fact!

Download and save Covid Man when asking these people for a citation. ⬇️

Repeat after Covid Man: "In the time of public health crisis, unverified opinions should not be considered in lieu of science." 🗣

It's time to call them out and put an end to their unsubstantiated claims.

What are some of the baseless claims you've seen being spread?

Yesterday, Sarasota School Board Member, private school parent, and alt-right conservative Bridget Ziegler was quoted below in response to Board Chair Shirley Brown's request for the anti-mask group to back off. Does this sound like parents who don't intend to create chaos?

We are not dealing with a rational foe. They do not believe in science. They do not care about your children. Who is going to hold them accountable if their ringleader can't?