Dear Florida Spring Breakers

Hey Florida Spring Breakers, a little note for you from Italy:

I saw a bunch of photos and videos and news coverage of you all on spring break in Florida. Many of you when interviewed had things to say like “This virus isn’t gonna stop me from partying !”  You are young, at that age when you are sure you’re invincible.  It’s probable that most of you haven’t lived long enough yet to have had Death be part of your life experience in any big way, with friends, parents and even grandparents probably all still alive and kicking.  “The virus kills the elderly,” you figured, “so I’m good, even if I get it.” And I’m guessing that you didn’t receive or simply didn’t digest the information - or maybe didn’t care (but I truly hope not) - that yeah, it could be you who is spreading the virus, you who might technically be responsible for some of the deaths that could be now on their way to your home town, your community, your friends, and your families, wherever that may be. 

That’s a heavy thing to bear.  

But it’s not entirely your fault. You are young. You need guidance from elders, from people who know more than you.  That’s why we try to have rules and laws and responsible people at the wheel to put up proper limitations so that you (and we) can be safe as you grow past these crazy years of thinking throwing caution to the wind is ok. So you can become wise on your own in your own time.  

Except I see that we failed you. Because whoever is steering this ship seems to have not gotten the memo about the incredible storm that is about to hit or just found it inconvenient to have to change course to keep you all (and us) out of harm’s way.  

Now that Florida got its act together and closed the beaches, I’ve seen interviews with some of you saying that anyone who is out partying is now shamed on social media. That’s a help, I suppose… but unfortunately it’s a buck short and a day late.  

We here in Italy were hoping that the storm would peter out before it got to you there in the states. We were hoping that our big red lights here flashing WARNING! WARNING! could have sufficed to allow you to be better prepared than we were.

Now we’re hoping that you will all be as safe and well as is possible with what is to come. Because it’s coming. 

And we’re really sorry. Because this situation where we are and where you’re heading?

It sucks.