Florida appeals court refuses to settle mask mandate issue

A divided state appeals court has refused to reconsider a decision that raised questions about the constitutionality of a move last year by Alachua County to require people to wear masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

A panel of the 1st District Court of Appeal, in a 2-1 decision Friday, refused a request by Alachua County for a rehearing. The court did not explain its reasons.…