During the pandemic, numerous safety measures have been implemented to ensure public health. The CDC and health officials emphasize the importance of masks and social distancing to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, and many private establishments have adopted additional protocols, such as temperature checks. Recently, a man who boasted about spending $15,000 on his Disney World trip found himself in hot water after refusing to comply with a temperature check outside the park.
While temperature checks may sometimes seem like mere “safety theater,” they are a requirement set by private companies. Ignoring these rules can lead to significant consequences, as one affluent visitor discovered. The incident unfolded when Kelly Sills from Baton Rouge, Florida, bypassed the temperature screening and attempted to enter the park. When confronted by security, he became combative, ultimately resulting in his arrest.
This incident, which occurred in February, gained attention when body cam footage revealed Sills insisting that his lavish expenditure should exempt him from arrest. “I paid $15,000,” he declared, adding that he couldn’t be trespassed because of his spending. In a bizarre twist, as he faced arrest, he shifted his tone, asking if they could take his temperature before being detained, to which officers replied they would do so at the jail.
Sills later claimed to The Washington Post that he had not refused the temperature check but had mistakenly entered through the exit. Instead of simply admitting his error and complying, he chose to flaunt his financial status. He even remarked, “Covid is a very serious thing, but so is my vacation with my family,” highlighting an air of entitlement that many found off-putting.
The Orlando Sentinel reported that Sills pleaded not guilty to a misdemeanor trespassing charge after repeatedly ignoring requests to leave or comply with the health protocols. It’s refreshing to witness that wealth does not shield individuals from accountability. As the saying goes, #EatTheRich.
For more insights on related topics, check out our other blog post here, and for authoritative information, visit CDC’s pregnancy resources.
Search Queries:
- temperature check policy at theme parks
- Disney World health and safety measures
- impact of COVID-19 on theme park visits
- how to handle trespassing charges
- disputing misdemeanor charges
In summary, the incident involving Kelly Sills serves as a reminder that everyone is subject to rules, regardless of their financial status. His refusal to comply with safety protocols not only led to his arrest but also sparked conversations about entitlement during a global pandemic.