South Florida gym owner bails out after being arrested for violating coronavirus rules

PLANTATION, Fla. – The owner of a South Florida gym was released from jail Tuesday morning, hours after he was arrested for allowing members of his gym to choose whether or not to wear a face mask during workouts.

“Right now, I am trusting that everything is happening for a reason,” said Michael Carnevale. “I was there for about six or seven hours. My wife bailed me.

Police officers turned up Monday at Carnevale’s business, Fitness 1440 on West Broward Boulevard in Plantation, after someone reported that the 24-hour gym was in violation of the Broward County emergency order requiring masks.

Carnevale was ordered to close it, but he refused. He spoke to Local 10 News after receiving notice to appear in court and before officers stopped him and closed his business.

Carnevale said he believes orders to wear face covers during the coronavirus pandemic are intrusive.

“If this is all really about health, this is where we are getting into some murky waters because I don’t see how I can get my clients to wear a mask while on a treadmill or while exercising,” Carnevale said. .

Carnevale last week joined a raucous anti-mask rally and filed a lawsuit against the county for its mask ordinance.

Although public health officials say there is evidence that facial coatings help stop the spread of COVID-19, Carnevale is not buying that.

“We have lost perspective, we have lost common sense,” he said.

“Are you worried about putting people at risk?” Local 10’s Andrew Perez asked the gym owner on Monday.

“I am one hundred percent,” he replied. “I am very concerned that someone will get dizzy or pass out with a mask on while on a treadmill.”