“I couldn’t sleep at night if I just stood by and did nothing …” Far from just “standing by” Florida attorney Daniel Uhlfelder has left a lasting image that has gone viral. Earlier this month Uhlfelder donned the iconic black garb complete with scythe of the dreaded Grim Reaper and took to the beaches of the Sunshine State protesting actions of Gov. Ronald DeSantis.
Incensed by what he describes as, “carelessness and lack of respect for the health and well-being of human lives” Uhlfelder initiated his one-man seaside crusade to both enlighten people about the dangers of congregating in public places such as beaches, restaurants and bars despite the fact that government restrictions had been lifted.
Now that it seems the entire country may be following suit; the ardent attorney feels even more impassioned.
“We’re doing this prematurely, too quickly and it’s a matter of life and death.” he says.
Uhlfelder came to the practice of law with the belief attorneys should be leaders in the causes of the nation. He is concerned that there has been an essential shift away from the attorney as political leader to the lawyer as just a professional.
“Everyone is too worried about losing clients to stand up for what they believe in and what is right,” he says.
Economics is a recurring theme here. Uhlfelder expressed his criticism for DeSantis’ policies as well as what he perceives to be the governor’s motives. “It’s all about the dollar, the stock market, his donors and approval by Donald Trump who got him elected,” says the attorney.
Uhlfelder is not discouraged, however.
“I’m moving forward,” he says. “We’ve have a beach tour we’re working on, there will be more assertive steps to enlighten people, I’m still in litigation with the governor and still have this social media support.”
In fact, Uhlfelder and his supporters recently created a new stir when sunbathers arrived to discover a sea of crosses standing in the sand.
In his popular tweet he said simply: “Beaches are open in Florida. So we have begun putting out crosses to remember the number of Floridians lost in the country. One for each lost.”
Beaches are open in Florida. So we have begun putting out crosses to remember the number of Floridians lost in the county. One for each lost. pic.twitter.com/excf0O0p2t
— Daniel Uhlfelder (@DWUhlfelderLaw) May 15, 2020
