In this photo provided by the Florida Keys News Bureau, residents in Key West, Fla., get their first taste of sun and sand on the subtropical island, Tuesday, April 28, 2020, since city beaches were closed March 17, 2020, due to coronavirus concerns. On Monday, April 27, city officials began to relax some public recreation restrictions, including reopening city beaches. Key West and other regions of the Florida Keys remain closed to visitors. (Rob O’Neal/Florida Keys News Bureau via AP)
In this photo provided by the Florida Keys News Bureau, residents in Key West, Fla., get their first taste of sun and sand on the subtropical island, Tuesday, April 28, 2020, since city beaches were closed March 17, 2020, due to coronavirus concerns. On Monday, April 27, city officials began to relax some public recreation restrictions, including reopening city beaches. Key West and other regions of the Florida Keys remain closed to visitors. Rob O’Neal, Florida Keys News Bureau via Associated Press
Herb Scribner
By Herb Scribner
View Comments

A Florida lawyer announced plans last week to dress up as the Grim Reaper and visit beaches across the Sunshine State beginning Friday.

What’s going on:

  • Daniel Uhlfelder, a lawyer in Santa Rosa Beach, said in a tweet last week that he plans to travel around Florida to different beaches while wearing a Grim Reaper outfit.
  • He wrote: “Many of you have asked if I am willing to travel around Florida wearing Grim Reaper attire to the beaches and other areas of the state opening up prematurely. The answer is absolutely yes. Beginning May 1 we will hit the road here in state. Please retweet and spread the word.”
  • Uhlfelder will begin wearing the outfit on May 1.
  • He told NBC News: “I felt like something needed to be done, because they’re moving very quickly to open beaches prematurely. Wearing a Grim Reaper costume seems like a good way to send a signal that this is too fast and that we need to think seriously before we take that step.”

A history of advocating to close beaches:

  • Uhlfelder previously sued Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis after the governor failed to order Florida beaches to close during the coronavirus pandemic, according to CBS 12.
  • Uhlfelder told NBC News: “I’m just trying to take all the steps to ensure our safety and trying to get creative about it. I’ve sued the governor. We’re in court with him. It looks like they’re rushing to do this, and it’s just too soon.”

What’s happening with Florida beaches

  • DeSantis announced a 30-day stay-at-home order earlier in April. He later announced Florida beaches would reopen.
Join the Conversation
Looking for comments?
Find comments in their new home! Click the buttons at the top or within the article to view them — or use the button below for quick access.