Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Santa gets special state travel permit
There’s breaking holiday news out of Florida this Wednesday: Santa Claus has been officially permitted to come to the state.
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, which regulates the transportation of animals and livestock, issued a certificate to allow the North Pole resident to use up to nine reindeer to lead his sleigh over the state line.
The Certificate of Animal Movement for Mr. And Mrs. Claus of 100 Candy Cane Lane, North Pole, goes into effect at 8 p.m. on Christmas Eve and
lets Santa enter and exit all homes, domiciles, encampments and premises in Florida until 7 a.m. Christmas morning.
“Given the challenges of this year, we want to ensure Santa Claus can safely travel the state and spread Christmas joy to all of Florida’s children,” said agricultural commissioner Nikki Fried. “As Florida’s regulator for the entry of animals, we’re pleased to issue Santa’s necessary Certificate of Animal Movement early, waive all fees, and ensure proper safety protocols to protect against livestock diseases and COVID-19.”
The reindeer — Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen, and Rudolph — will be checked for diseases and germs as they enter the state, Fried said. Port personnel will disinfect Santa’s sleigh and Santa will also get his gloves and boots disinfected and wash his hands.
Santa is also going to make sure to follow all safety protocols while he’s here, including washing his hands and wearing a mask at all times as he delivers gifts. The reindeer are healthy for the long voyage and have updated vaccinations, said Dr. Michael Short, Florida’s official veterinarian.
The forecast for Christmas Eve calls for temperatures to fall as South Florida heads into what is forecast to be the coldest Christmas Day in 21 years.
There’s no excuse this year, kids. Put out those milk and cookies — and a carrot for the livestock.