Florida news outlets accidentally makes the case for not wearing masks in stores

When the news outlets published a photo and video of a mask-wearing man suspected in the robbery of a Publix Supermarket they probably never realized the incident reveals why it's bad policy for a store to require all shoppers wear face masks.

The headline on NBC-2 read: Charlotte County deputies searching for Englewood armed robber. 

ENGLEWOOD, Fla. - Charlotte County deputies are searching for a man accused of robbing robbing a Publix in Englewood on Monday evening.

Deputies said the man went into the Publix, located at 1500 Placida Road, just before 6 p.m. with a weapon and demanded money.



He is believed to be in his mid-50s, wearing a ball cap, black sunglasses, a white makeshift face mask, a grey sleeveless shirt with "Livin The Life" beach scene on the back, dark grey shorts just above the knees, a yellow in color wristwatch on the left wrist and dark-colored ankle-high slip-on shoes with possibly an Asian or Latino accent, deputies reported.

The Englewood Sun later reported the suspect; Karl Byron Minott was arrested Friday April 10.

Deputies arrested Minott on Friday. “Between witness statements and the communities assistance, Minott was identified and subsequently arrested,” the report states.

Minott then walked away from the service desk and approached a person in the store, demanding money. “During this interaction, Minott had a small caliber semi-automatic weapon pointed at the victim,” the report states.

He was charged with armed robbery, two counts of carrying a concealed weapon and wearing a mask while committing an offense.

Earlier today April 14, Wink News reported the Southwest Florida supermarket chain Fresh Market would require workers and shoppers wear face masks---to keep everyone safe (emphasis mine).

A Southwest Florida grocery chain will require shoppers and workers to wear masks in their stores—as further precautions to protect against COVID-19 are being taken. 

If you go to Fresh Market — you are going to see signs posted everywhere that says all guests must wear face coverings starting Tuesday.

Fresh Market tells me this decision was made for no other reason but to keep you and their employees safe.

A spokesperson for Fresh Market said they won’t block you from entering without a mask but they are asking guests to support this recommendation for the benefit of the community. 

Their employees are also now required to wear a face mask while working.
The spokesperson says their biggest fear is someone walking into their store who doesn’t know they’re carrying the virus and getting other people sick.

County Examiner hopes local law enforcement encourages Fresh Market management to rethink their "keeping guests safe" mask policy lest what happened to a shopper in the Englewood Publix happen in their store.