“I cannot in good faith evict families from their homes because they are unable to work to pay their rent or mortgage during this national time of crisis,” said Chronister at a Wednesday news conference. “We must all come together as a society to help one another and show compassion for every one of our neighbors.”
Chronister pointed out that it doesn’t make sense to force people from their homes when they’re being instructed to stay in their homes.
“How do we ask people to shelter in place when we take their shelter from them?" said Chronister. “Removing people from the security of their homes during this vulnerable time would be a contradiction to our mission here at the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office to protect and serve and is also contrary to what we stand for as a community.”
Chronister did mention that the suspension will have a negative impact on landlords, but asked for cooperation and understanding.
“We’re not saying these evictions won’t be served, we’re just going to delay the process so we can see where we’re at for the next 30 days.”
Yesterday, Hillsborough County Administrator Mike Merrill announced that all public and private events must be limited to no more than 50 people or less, including churches.
On Monday, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis called for all bars and nightclubs to close for at least 30 days.
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This article appears in Mar 12-19, 2020.