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Owner of maskless Florida grocery store says coronavirus pandemic is a hoax

Video shows shoppers, employees without face coverings

Shoppers without masks at Oakes Farms - Seed to Table Market in Naples. (WPLG)

NAPLES, Fla. – Despite the dangers of the coronavirus pandemic, no one at a crowded grocery store in Naples was wearing a face mask.

That’s because Alfie Oakes, the owner of Oakes Farms - Seed to Table Market, is not enforcing customers or employees to do so, News 6 partner WPLG reported.

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“Customers can wear a full bodysuit, and if you’re afraid of bumping your head, wear a football helmet,” Oakes said.

His posts on Facebook referred to the deadly pandemic as a hoax. It’s a position that cost him a contract with the Collier County School Board.

It is not hurting business otherwise. His supporters continue to shop at his supermarket where business was booming on Thursday. Seed to Table was also trending on Twitter.

“Please do your research,” Oakes said, as he defies all scientific research. “Please do your critical thinking and research.”

Collier County issued a face mask mandate. Oakes challenged it in court but his lawsuit was dismissed. Gov. Ron DeSantis has not issued a face mask mandate.


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About the Authors
Christian De La Rosa headshot

Christian De La Rosa joined Local 10 News in April 2017 after spending time as a reporter and anchor in Atlanta, San Diego, Orlando and Panama City Beach.

Andrea Torres headshot

The Emmy Award-winning journalist joined the Local 10 News team in 2013. She wrote for the Miami Herald for more than 9 years and won a Green Eyeshade Award.

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