The COVID pandemic brought out the worst of the Nanny State in the name of public health. From school closures, to scientifically dubious social distancing and mask mandates, few elected officials missed a chance to exert their authority.

But five years later, there may finally be consequences for a handful of the worst offenders.

Last week, a federal appeals court ruled that a local Florida government abused its power when it imposed draconian restrictions on property owners during the pandemic. The result could cost taxpayers there millions of dollars.

The case originated in Walton County, Florida, where officials in March 2020 ordered that all beaches — private and public — be closed in an effort to stop the spread of COVID. The edict, issued at the height of panic, made it a crimina

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