All,

Regrettably, this year’s Duval ARES Field Day is CANCELLED.

Though we had a sound plan for pandemic mitigation in place, the
simple nature of the fact is that the probability of contracting COVID
increases with the number of contagious infected persons.  As we see
these numbers balloon, particularly here in Florida, we must be
cognizant that the risk also increases when congregating personnel,
even if restrictions and mitigation are in place.

With that in mind, the Duval ARES Field Day event is cancelled.

Please don’t be discouraged by this news.  Every member of ARES is
important, not only to our local ARES community, but to Duval County
and North Florida.  It is imperative that we preserve ourselves as a
force so that we can be prepared to contribute to our community in the
event of an emergency.  Were we merely expendable, then we could have
pressed on with Field Day with no concerns.  However, our business is
to ensure emergency communications capability to our community in the
event of catastrophe — each of us is vital.

Thank you to one and all for your eagerness to participate in this
year’s event, and for the assistance received from so many
individuals.   We encourage you to still participate in Field Day
activities from your QTH.

Very respectfully, 73,

Grant / K4GDG