An overwhelming majority of Floridians are in favor of a statewide order requiring people to wear masks while theyre out in public, according to a recent survey by the University of South Florida. Researchers findings are based on a survey of 600 Floridians from July 30 through Aug. 10. Questions examined the publics level of concern about COVID-19, trust in public health guidelines, school reopening plans, face masks and political rallies, among other topics. Perhaps the most significant finding was that 87 percent of those polled said they would support a mask mandate, including 73 percent who said they would strongly support such an order. Another big takeaway was that just shy of three-quarters of those surveyed (73%) would back a decision to close public schools this fall, 54 percent of whom said they would strongly support that move.

NASSAU COUNTY, Fla. – A plan to reopen schools in Nassau County was approved during a meeting of board leaders Thursday night. READ: Nassau County information on COVID-19The reopening plan includes three options for Nassau County students:Return kids to the classroom full time (Option 1)Participate in school-based distance learning (Option 2)Enroll in virtual learning (Option 3)Parents have until July 29 to submit their choice. Around 850 families have chosen school-based distance learning, and the remainder have chosen virtual learning from Nassau Virtual School. RELATED: Nassau County’s back-to-school plan includes 3 optionsIn the re-opening plan, the Nassau County school district says schools will use a combination of self-screening and observational screening protocols for staff and students. Are we just data to you?” said Jana Lee, a Nassau County teacher.